The Executive Chairman, Delta State Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa has disclosed that the hosting state has a winning formula to win the National Sports Festival and set a standard for other states jostling to host the next edition to beat.
Okowa, who is also the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria AFN ,stated this at Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba while addressing journalists.
He noted that the defending Champions has capacity to win anywhere and they are poised to organize a festival that will be difficult for other states to copy.
He affirmed that Delta State will not only win the 21st edition of National Sports Festival but will also host the games that will be the pride of Nigeria
“Delta State is a home of sports and it’s the only state that has a winning culture radiating in its DNA. Sports is an indigene of Delta State and it’s not ready to leave its state of origin for any reason .The secret to that is motivation and the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa is an epitome of motivation. The Governor is always ready to go extra miles and bring succour to mankind.Safe to say that you journalists athletes, officials , and spectators alike attending this fiesta can attest to this submission.The hospitality, infrastructure, logistic arrangements put in place in terms of movement of officials to and fro the venues are super standard. Though we might not be 100% perfect but I think you guys can contrast it with previous editions and come up with your findings”.
The co-chairman of the Local Organizing Committee further added that some of the facilities used in 2018 African Youth Championship have been upgraded to global standard and so as to further spur the competing athletes to greater heights
“We have infrastructural facilities used in 2018 African Youth championships which we have improved upon in line with global best practices. Some of the foreign athletes like Ghana, Ivory Coast and Benin Republic have arrived and they will all contest in this edition to motivate and give confidence to our home grown athletes. Competing with foreign athletes will give our budding talents a sense of global champions even while they are still in Nigeria”. The Commissioner concluded.
It would be recalled that under leadership of Tonobok Okowa as AFN President, Nigeria exhibited a great deal of winning mentality at the U20 World Athletic Championship in Kenya.
Delta State is the defending Champions and they are currently leading the Medals table and the former Chairman, Marketing Committee of the Nigerian Olympic Committee is happy about the development to win and host fairly.
By:Sunday Agunbiade
