The Niger State Governor Muhammad Umar Bago has appealed to government at all levels, individuals and corporate organizations to take deliberate steps towards investing in sports development, particularly in the area of facilities to enhance the development of sports in the Nation.
He also noted that sports development will go a long way to address most of the challenges facing the nation.
The Governor who spoke through the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji made the call when he declared open, the 42nd edition of the Federal Civil Service games in Minna.
According to him,” it was in the realization of this that my administration has taken deliberate steps towards providing world-class sporting facilities across the state. We started with the renovation and upgrading of the abandoned Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium complex”.
“This administration is determined to create an environment where youths, especially the athletic, can thrive and achieve their full potential”.
He explained that so far, the administration has begun the construction of the second phase of Ahmadu Bahago Sports Complex currently hosting the FEPSGA, adding that the expansion will accommodate various indoor sporting activities.
Bago further stated that the Federal Civil Service games go beyond sports but an avenue for national integration where people of different backgrounds come together to compete for trophies in a healthy and secure environment to foster a culture of brotherhood and sportsmanship.
The Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yomi Esan, earlier in her address, noted that the annual Civil Service games are not all about winning medals and trophies but are about the wellness and well-being of the civil servants in the country.
She called on participants to take the games seriously as sports has now become a multi-billion venture across the globe.
The former Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Solomon Dalong, in his address said investment in sports will address the security challenges facing the country.
