By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has approved the immediate release of funds for the participation of Benue State contingents to the Seventh edition of National Youth Games tagged “Asaba 2023”.
Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, who made the disclosure today in a Press Statement said, “the approval has laid to rest the apprehension as to whether or not Benue State will feature in the games billed to commence on the 20th of this month”.
According to the Commissioner, “l am particularly excited that the approval is a sure guarantee that Benue State will be adequately represented at the National Youth Games”.
“Coming two days after i led directors of the Ministry on an inspection tour of facilities at the Sports Council, which also afforded me the opportunity to interact with the Benue contingent preparing for the games, shows that Governor Alia is determined to sustain the State’s presence on the sporting map of Nigeria”, Rt. Hon. Ikyange said.
The Commissioner further said that with the approval for the release of funds for this year’s National Youth games, Benue contingent will not only boost their preparations to fly the flag of the State at the Sports fiesta but will work towards winning more medals to justify the kind gesture by Governor Alia.
The Youths, Sports and Creativity Commissioner while thanking the Governor for the approval, charged the athletes and Coaches to intensify their preparations in order to make the State proud during the games.
Hon. Ikyange reiterated the resolve of his Ministry to ensure that the State does not miss out on any National sporting activity and assured that with the approval, the Governor has demonstrated his readiness to reposition Sports in the State.
