By Austin Ogwuda
TOP-NOTCH preparations have been put in place to ensure the smooth hosting of the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Chief Solomon Ogba, a well-known Sports Administrator has confirmed that all logistical arrangements are complete.
He stated that Stephen Keshi Stadium has undergone upgrades to enhance the experience for athletes and spectators alike, while the organizers have put robust security measures in place for all-round protection for athletes, the officials including spectators during the sports meet.
According to him, we are delivering a memorable and successful competition by building on the achievements of the 7th edition held last year under the leadership of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; significant preparations have been made to ensure that this year’s edition exceeds expectations”.
The Games will feature athletes from 35 States competing in 31 different sports, with the opening ceremony scheduled for Wednesday at the newly renovated stadium.
Over 5,000 athletes will be accommodated across various locations in Delta State and all of them are covered under health insurance for their safety and well-being during the event, Ogba added.
The importance of fair play, implementing strict athlete screening to preserve the integrity of the competition would be observed, he further stated.
…. Schools in Asaba shift resumption date to enable athletes use the facilities
Meanwhile, the Delta State government has directed all public and private primary and secondary schools in the State to resume on Monday, September 9, 2024, for the commencement of the 2024/2025 first-term academic activities except in Oshimili South Local Government Area, where the resumption date has been shifted to Monday, September 23, 2024.
The statement directed boarders to resume on Sunday, September 8.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Augustine Oghoro in a press statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the Education Commissioners noted that the extension of the resumption date for all private and public primary and secondary schools in Asaba and its environs was “as a result of the 8th edition of the National Youth Game scheduled to be held in Asaba from Monday, September 9 to Thursday, September 19, 2024”.
According to the statement, “some schools in Asaba, including West End Mixed Secondary School; Government Model Secondary School; Junior Staff Primary School; Unity Secondary School in the Capital Territory and Osadenis Secondary School have been designated for use as hostels and venues for the games”.
