The Nasarawa State Government has bid farewell to its sports contingent ahead of the North Central Zonal Eliminations of the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Jos, Plateau State.
The farewell ceremony, held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development premises on Monday, was led by the State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu.
He was joined by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Youth and Students’ Affairs, Rt. Hon. Shuaibu Sani, along with Directors and other Ministry staff to wish the team well in their upcoming competition.
Addressing the athletes, Hon. Kwanta charged them to be good ambassadors of Nasarawa State and strive for excellence in their respective events.
“I am confident that you all have what it takes to make our State proud at the Zonal Eliminations of the National Sports Festival in Jos,” he said. “Just know that you are not only competing for yourselves but for the entire State, and His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor, who continues to accord premium priority to youth and sports development. So, go out there, and give it your best shot by clinching all the available slots for the North Central Zone in the team sports events.”
The Commissioner further reassured the contingent of the State Government’s unwavering support, emphasizing that all necessary provisions had been made to ensure their success.
“I make bold to say the Government of Engr. Abdullahi Sule has provided you with the best modalities. The onus now lies on you to replicate the gestures and benevolence of the Government and make us proud,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the coaching staff, Sani Mohammed of the State Volleyball team expressed gratitude to the Government and the Ministry for facilitating their participation and reaffirmed their determination to achieve outstanding results.
Similarly, Modupe Lawrence Omojola, Captain of the State’s Basketball Team, assured the Commissioner and the State Government of their dedication to bringing glory to Nasarawa State.
“On behalf of my fellow athletes, I want to most sincerely thank the State Government, the Honourable Commissioner, and the entire Ministry for your support. We are more than determined to make our State proud as we will work hard, play with passion, and give our all to ensure that we come out on top,” he said.
Team Nasarawa’s contingent consists of a total of 172 members, including 116 athletes, 16 coaches, 5 secretaries, 7 accompanying officials, and 28 state delegates. The team is composed of 103 male and 55 female participants.
The team will compete in various team sports events, including Football (Men’s), Basketball (Men’s and Women’s), Handball (Men’s), Hockey (Men’s and Women’s), and Volleyball (Men’s and Women’s).
The 2025 National Sports Festival Zonal Eliminations will be held from Monday, February 24, to Friday, February 28, in Jos, Plateau State. Only the top two teams from each category will advance to represent the North Central Zone at the main National Sports Festival competition in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in May 2025.
