Delta, a leader and role model in sports in Nigeria - PDP Vice Presidential candidate

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa said that the state was prepared to host and win the most memorable competition in the annals of the National Sports Festival to maintain its sports dominance in the country.

The Governor gave the assurance on Wednesday, in his remarks at the Unveiling of the National Sports Festival Logo and Mascot, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

He said hosting the festival tagged “Delta 2022” with theme “Uniting Nigeria, inspiring the next generation” was in recognition of the role of Delta as a leader and role model in sports in the country. 

According to him, the choice of Delta as host of Nigeria’s version of the Olympic Games was in recognition of the state’s pioneering role in sports growth and development, which has made it a role model and a leader in the country.  

“Delta State as you are well aware, has won every edition of the National Youth Games and National Sports Festival in the past five years to confirm its position as the number one sporting State. 

“We intend to continue this leadership as Delta hosts the entire sportsmen and women across the length and breadth of our country.    

“Let me also state that Delta was primed to host the 20th edition of the festival but lost its bid to our sister State, Edo, at the very last minute in Abuja. 

“As a sports-loving State, we were not discouraged in our quest to bring home to roost, this sporting extravaganza we have dominated for a long time. We are also positioned to be number one in the hosting of the games.  

“However, as the nation looks forward to seeing Delta host our sportsmen and women to this feast, I can assure you that we are doing our best to host a most memorable competition in the annals of the festival. 

“We are guided by our excellent hosting of the 21st Senior Africa Athletics Competition in August 2018 in Asaba, which received a global ovation, because of our facilities and our hospitality to our guests on that occasion.  We have resolved to do even more this time around.  

“We are already updating our facilities and putting in place, new ones of international standards, because of the multi- dimensional nature of the festival,” he said.