Some athletes billed for the National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, have lamented their inability to travel because of the government’s failure to release funds.
Speaking to DAILY POST on Thursday, the athletes bemoaned the role of Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, Idris Musa, in the delay.
One of the athletes, who identified himself as Arome, called on Governor Yahaya Bello to quickly intervene to rescue sports from total collapse and extinction.
He urged the Governor to order the immediate release of funds to enable them to participate in the 7th NYG.
One of the coaches, who pleaded anonymity, told DAILY POST that Kogi State risked being banned from participating in future sporting events if they failed to participate in this year’s competition.
“I must give kudos to the Director of Sports in Kogi State, Mr Onipe Halli Obakachi. He has been working round the clock to see that funds are released for our athletes to participate. But as it stands now, it has not produced results. Instead of the Commissioner for Youths and Sports to be at the forefront to ensure that Kogi State is well represented, he is busy chasing shadows. Hopefully, something can still come out from the Government for Kogi State to travel for this event,” he said.
Efforts to reach the commissioner for comments proved abortive as he did not pick up telephone calls or respond to text messages.
Seventy-seven athletes are expected to represent Kogi State in the 10-day sporting event in Asaba.
The state will feature in different sports such as athletics, badminton, cricket, boxing, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, shooting, weightlifting, wrestling, beach volleyball, and judo.
The Federal Ministry of Sports Development announced September 20th – 30th, 2023, as the date for the 7th edition of the National Youth Games
