Gov Idris Promises Adequate Funding For Sports

Governor Ibrahim Idris of Kogi early in the week pledged to sustain his commitment to sports development through adequate funding and provision of sporting facility for sportsmen and women in the state.

Idris said this at the closing ceremony of the week-long 2nd Kogi State Sports Festival held at the Lokoja township stadium.

Idris, represented by his deputy, Mr Philip Salawu, said sports would continue to receive his administration’s attention through adequate funding and the provision of facilities for training and sponsorship of athletes to national and international events.

He said that the government was determined to complete the state ultra-modern Olympic-size stadium in Lokoja to provide modern training facilities for hosting sports competitions in the state.

The governor reiterated his determination to sponsor qualified teams from the state to represent the country at international championships.

He commended the organisers of the festival for their excellent organisational ability, and urged other stakeholders to ensure early preparations of athletes for the Garden City games coming up in October in Port-Harcourt.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Henry Ukubile, appealed to the governor to place the athletes on monthly stipends as incentives to prevent them from being lured to other states.  

Ukubile also reminded the governor of pending trip of the state Under-14 Boys and Girls Handball teams, billed to represent Nigeria at the World Youth Handball Championship in Sweden in June.

20 out of the 21 local governments in the state participated in the festival.

Ankpa local government topped the medal’s table with 38 gold, 23 silver and 19 bronze followed by Okene with 31 gold, 14 silver and 18 bronze, while Ibaji came third with 30 gold, 23 silver and 25 bronze.