SPORT MINISTER storm Uni-ilorin as Areh expressed optimism in 5th National Youth Games

Incredibly, the newly appointed Minister of Sports: Mr. Sunday Akin Dare spark up the hopes of young lads today when he visited them at the Multi-purpose hall of the University of Ilorin as they undergo their screening towards the Sporting event.

Amazingly, the Sport administrator early visit which was a huge surprise and inspiration to the athletes this evening as he was accompanied by some Directors and Sport buffs will definitely enhance the performance of the participants this year.

However, the annual youth championship which is scheduled to commence from 7th-17th September, will kick-start today with mind-blowing opening ceremony by 2pm at the University Sport Complex.

Meanwhile, the Director of Grassroots Development, Dr. Ademola Are told newsmen, “As you know this is the 5th edition and we are trying to do more in order to improve on our last year performance” he said.

“Especially in the area of screening, facilities, accreditation, welfare and security we are doing all we can in conjunction with University of Ilorin to ensure we have a more successful game this year” he added.

“We intend to conduct a strict screening exercise as the Sporting federation secretaries are involved and we have all the records of the past performances of these athletes such as bio-data, birth certificate which the the ministry have their own records” Areh maintained.

“Coaches and the officials from the States will be disallow to be part of the screening, because definitely they may want to influence and ensure their wards are passed for the competition. We have been very strict and we will follow it through” he explained.

“Adding icing to the cakes, the cultural display and then we are bringing in some artists alongside popular musician: Small Doctor who is a youth himself; so therefore his performance for this children is to enlarge their telescope and fan base of the annual Sport fiesta and also to bring in more awareness into the youth program” 

He continued, “our guest artist followers will be drawn to the game and to enable us see what we are doing, thereby increasing the area of entertainment; were expecting and thirty (30) states that will feature in 34 Sporting activities although four (4) states are yet to arrive; that is why we are looking at the issue of screening, whether to allow
those on the road or not” he told.

MOU that we signed with the University of Ilorin is five (5) years, but I can tell you by the end of next edition which is going to be last event here other venues will be available to us, because so many states have already lining up for the hosting right.

Areh explained further, “the ministry is looking at the area of the next edition in terms of hosting, we want to appreciate God that the game has come to stay” he concluded.

Conclusively, defending champions (Delta State) has brought 380 athletes followed by Anambra with 218 athletes as Edo came with 216 participants while Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom came with 172 and 168 respectively.