‘Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival will be different’

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday officially flagged off the 21st National Sports Festival by lighting the Torch of Unity at the Statehouse Garden, Abuja. Photo/TWITTER/NIGERIAGOV

As the countdown to Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival begins, Gowon Akpodonor looks at the state of facilities being put in place by the host state, and how other states are preparing their athletes for the fiesta.

The flag-off of the Torch of Unity Movement by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Tuesday officially signalled the countdown to the 21st National Sports Festival tagged ‘Asaba 2022.’

At the ceremony, which took place at the Presidential Villa Abuja, Buhari expressed his delight over the Sports Festival, describing it as the engine room for producing great champions that will represent Nigeria at international competitions.

“All outstanding stars that have written the name of Nigeria in gold were born out of the National Sports Festival,” Buhari said. “This shows that the resources the government is investing in sporting activities are not a waste.”

Buhari, who was represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, was full of praises for the Main Organising Committee (MON) as well as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their commitment and doggedness towards ensuring the successful hosting of the games.

He explained that sports have remained a unifying platform for Nigerians and the government will continue to invest in it.

On his part, Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, described the Sports Festival as the Nigerian Olympics, where the best and brightest athletes are selected to represent the country at international competitions.

“The Touch of Unity Movement being flagged off today