..Engaging in Sports fortifies both our body and soul – Abu Gumel.
From Maurice Okafor,Enugu.
The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has described the Olympic daycelebrations as a veritable tool for Sports Development, just as the President of Nigeria Olympics Committee, Mr Abu Gumel said it helps to build up the body and soul.
Both emphasised the importance of sports in their respective address that marked the 2025 Olympic day celebrations, concluded within the premises of Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium on Saturday,June 28.
Governor Mbah in his address read by the state commissioner for Youths and Sports,Barr Lloyd Ekweremacu stated, ‘Olympic celebration is a spark to ignite our responsibilities for sports development and celebration of friendship togetherness as a community.’
He stressed that his administration is commited to sports development in the state.
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“Sports is a veritable tool for unity and a platform for youth development and social cohesion. The Olympics value reflects the principles that Enugu State holds dearly. The Olympics value of excellence and respect reflects the principles that we in Enugu State holds dearly.
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“They are values that guide our governance, inspire our youths and the way we build our communities,”
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Governor Mbah further described Sports as a bridge builder,stating
that Enugu continues to place premium value on sports development through nurturing of talents at the grassroots.
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“We are committed to nurturing talents from the grassroots; investing in sporting infrastructure and in supporting our athletes, not only to compete but to excel on national and international stages.
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“We recognize our young people, the future champions and the pride ambassadors of Enugu State and Nigeria and we affirm our unwavering support for their dreams,” he said.
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The President of Nigerian Olympic Committee, Abu Gumel, in his speech also read by Ekweremadu said that engaging in sports fortifies both the mind and body.
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“It promotes robust health and well being of the individual; it compels us to strive for excellence and aspirations.
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“Sports ignites our dreams; it disseminates joy and foster unity amongst us,” he said.
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Gumel noted that the Olympics days consistently cultivates unity and solidarity across the World.
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In a brief chat with Sports Journalists thereafter, Ekweremadu said, “Like I read, His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s speech. This Olympic Day Celebration will serve as a spark to ignite our passion for sports development. I think what the Governor is trying to say, is the vision of this administration, as far as, sports, is concerned, is to develop both infrastructure and human resources, which are, athletes and technical officials.
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“This Olympic Day Celebration, just served as a reminder to make us keep alive those responsibilities. I am happy, that we are able to do that’.
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“I am happy in my short service as Commissioner in Enugu State. This is the second time we are doing this. For me, it is a resounding success.
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“What it means for us, is a celebration of togetherness, our ability to come together as a community to exercise, engage and recreate the body and celebrate friendship.
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“You just saw the happiness and entertainment here. Olympic Day Celebration is a leveler for all of us. It is a level playing field for every one to express himself and to be active. It is really about togetherness”, he said.
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As part of the event, Ekweremadu and many of Enugu city dwellers took a 2 – kilometre walk through the streets of Enugu metropolis,before the event continued at Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium with a novelty Volleyball match between Enugu Volleyball team.
There was also Arm Wrestling demonstration contest by Enugu State Arm Wrestling team designed by Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports. They entertained sportsmen/women who gathered at the event.
