By Sani Yarima
On Monday, the 9th of September 2024, over a hundred U-15 contingents from Taraba State departed for Asaba, the Delta state capital, for the 8th National Youth Games 2024.
The opening ceremony of the event is scheduled for Wednesday, 11th September 2024, and will take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
The young talents, including males and females, will be participating in various team events such as Badminton, Football, Hockey, Cricket, and Handball.
Read Also: Nat’l Youth Games 2024: North-east Zonal Elimination commenced in Taraba
Read Also: Fwanya Veterans Cup 2024 Concludes in Taraba With A Call For Govt To Prioritize Sports
Addressing the contingents and officials at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, Governor Agbu Kefas, who was represented by the state Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Amb. Joseph Joshua, expressed optimism and confidence in the young athletes, stating that they would make Taraba State proud at the event.
Joshua, who was also represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Indo Markson, advised the athletes to be good ambassadors and put in their best efforts to secure medals for Taraba State.
He described Dr. Agbu Kefas as a youth-oriented Governor whose administration accords priority to the development and empowerment of youth, hence the need for them to justify his gesture by returning victorious.
Read Also; SWAN Commends Taraba Youths Over Peaceful Protest
He commended the athletes for their commitment and resilience during the camp and prayed for their victory.
The Commissioner further appreciated Governor Kefas for providing the ministry with all the necessary support it requires at all times.
On his part, the State Director of Sports Council, Mr. George Shitta, revealed that this is the first time the state is traveling with a large number of athletes to the NYG.
He attributed this to the passion and love Governor Kefas has for youth development and the sports sector, noting that Taraba is competing with the host state, Delta in terms of the number of athletes.
Shitta, who is also a member of the Nigeria Badminton Federation, admonished the athletes to be disciplined and obey their coaches, as well as the rules and regulations of the games.
He believed that with the caliber of the participating young talents, the state would come back with medals.
He assured them that their commitments and hard work would not be in vain as they would be celebrated, noting that no undisciplined person would succeed in everything.
Assuring the government of their resolve to secure medals for the state, some of the athletes who spoke to sports journalists some minutes before their departure, such as Lilian Victor who will participate in Cricket, and Musa Aliyu who will participate in Handball, all pledged to make the state proud.
They described Dr. Agbu Kefas as the best Governor who has impacted so many lives and transformed the state within a short period and prayed to God to reward and grant him more wisdom, as well as protection.
It is worth recalling that recently, Taraba State hosted a successful North-east Zonal Elimination as part of the preparation for the upcoming National Youth Games where five states, including Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa, and the host, were in attendance, while only Gombe state was absent.