The Main Organising Committee (MOC), the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other stakeholders are billed to meet in Asaba on Friday, ahead of the 21st National Sports Festival tagged Delta 2022. The NSF is scheduled to hold from November 28 – December 10.
Peter Nelson who is secretary of the MOC, said members will arrive in Asaba, Delta State capital, Thursday, while the inspection of facilities and joint technical meeting will hold tomorrow (Friday). Departure is on Saturday.
“The inspection of facilities and joint technical meeting is in line with the approval by the National Council on Sports,” Nelson said.
“As you are aware, Joint Technical Meetings are convened to enable concerned stakeholders discuss all technical issues related to the Festival, as well as inspect the venues and facilities earmarked for the Games.
“As a major stakeholder, you are invited to attend the meeting as scheduled. Please note that all expenses associated with your participation at the meeting shall be borne by your state,” the MOC secretary stated.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari performed the flag-off of the Torch of Unity Movement in Abuja last week to officially begin the countdown to Delta 2022.
At the ceremony, which held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Buhari expressed his delight with the Sports Festival, describing it as the engine room for producing great champions that will represent Nigeria at international competitions.
Buhari, who was represented by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, commended the MOC, as well as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their commitment and doggedness towards ensuring the successful hosting of the games.
Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, had earlier described the National Sports Festival as Nigeria’s Olympics, where the best and brightest athletes are selected for international competitions.
Before the flag-off ceremony of the Touch of Unity Movement in Abuja, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had taken his time to inspect projects at Stephen Keshi Stadium, the venue of the 21st National Sports Festival.
Okowa was optimistic that the facilities would be ready. “I would urge the contractors to move much faster than they are at the moment because there is a date for the festival already,” he stated.
