The Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, on Monday, received the State’s athletes who participated at the recently concluded Nasarawa State National Open Karate Championship held at the Dan Yamusa NYSC Orientation Camp, Keffi, where they came 4th overall best with two Gold and one Bronze medals, respectively.
Shortly after receiving briefing from the State’s Karate Coach, Kingsley Enyie, the Permanent Secretary commended the athletes for making the State proud at the Championship which had over hundred athletes from different States of the Country and Clubs participating.
“I welcome you back home after a gallant performance at the 3rd National Open Karate Championship.
“We congratulate and appreciate you all for the wonderful performance, and I assure that funding for the championship will soon receive Government’s approval.”
He apologized for the delay and assured the athletes that he would do everything necessary to ensure that they get their dues.
“You have shown commitment, zeal and discipline as athletes.
“Because of this, your efforts won’t be in vain. We will ensure your entitlements are taken care of.”
Danladi, while congratulating one of the athletes, Chioma Ani, who won Gold Medal, on her invitation to the National Camp of Nigeria, added that Government remained committed to the development of youth and sports, stressing that under his watch, he would ensure that the vision and mission of Government for the Ministry are met.
He wished the invited athlete success at the National Camp and prayed that she would make the final list to participate at the UFAK Africa Karate Championship slated for Casablanca, Morocco, later this month.
Earlier, Coach of the State’s Karate Team, Kingsley Enyie, had told the Permanent Secretary that the team decided to embark on the Championship with four athletes on self-sponsorship while awaiting availability of funds.
He said he decided to present the athletes to the Permanent Secretary as they are ambassadors of the State and would continue to work hard to make the State proud at any championship they feature in.
Coach Kinsley highlighted that Chioma Ani won Gold medal in the Women’s +68kg, Saidu Ahmed won Gold medal in the Men’s-60kg while Christabel Daniel won Bronze medal in the Women’s -55kg to finish 4th overall best at the five-day Championship behind F.C.T, Abuja, Bayelsa and Taraba States, accordingly.
He informed the Permanent Secretary of the invitation of Chioma Ani to the National Camp in Abuja by the Nigeria Karate Federation ahead of the UFAK Africa Karate Championship in North Africa’s Morocco.
The Ministry’s Directors of Sports and Technical, Mr. Lawrence Shammah and Mustapha Sani Bello, also attended the brief reception held at the office of the Permanent Secretary in Lafia.
Highlights of the reception were decoration of the Permanent Secretary with the medals and photograph.
