Northeast Zonal Sports Competition Kicks Off in Yobe Ahead of National Sports Festival
Declaring the event open, Governor Mai Mala Buni urged all participating athletes to compete fairly and exhibit sportsmanship, assuring them that the state has made all necessary arrangements for a smooth and successful tournament.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mohammed M. Balumi, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to athlete development and welfare.
The Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Okey Emmanuel, likened the competition to Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, emphasizing that only the best athletes will be selected for the national event.
“This competition is like Nigeria’s Olympics, and only the most outstanding athletes will represent their states. I urge all participants to play by the rules and showcase their best performances,” he stated.
The Yobe State Sports Writers Association Chairman, Mr. Duku Joel, commended the Yobe State Government for hosting the prestigious event and encouraged journalists to maintain ethical reporting throughout the tournament.
The four-day competition features athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, competing in football, hockey, volleyball, handball, basketball, and cricket.
The event reinforces Yobe State’s dedication to sports development, positioning it as a key contributor to Nigeria’s sporting excellence
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