Posted by The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has authorized the immediate release of funding to ensure that athletes from Benue State can compete in the upcoming National Youth Games in Asaba, Nigeria (dubbed “Asaba 2023”).
Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, Benue State’s Commissioner for Youths, Sports, and Creativity, made the announcement today in Makurdi.
A press release from Hon Ikyange was made available to the media, in which he stated that the permission confirms Benue State’s participation in the games set to begin on the 20th of this month.
According to the commissioner, this green light ensures that Benue State will have a strong showing at the national youth games.
The approval of funding, as the Hon. Ikyange has stated, comes just two days after he took Ministry directors on an inspection trip of Sports Council facilities.
He also got to talk to Benue athletes who are getting ready for the games, he said, thanks to the inspection.
According to Hon. Ikyange, Governor Alia’s commitment to keeping the State prominent on Nigeria’s athletic scene is evidenced by the swift approval of money.
He said, “With the approval for the release of funds for this year’s National Youth games, Benue contingent will not only boost their preparations to fly the flag of the state at the sports fiesta, but will also work towards winning more medals to justify the kind gesture by Governor Alia.”
The commissioner then thanked the governor for his consent and urged the teams and their coaches to put in extra effort in preparation for the games so that they could do the state proud.
With this approval, Governor Ortom has shown his willingness to reposition sports in the state, as Hon. Ikyange reaffirmed the commitment of his Ministry to guarantee that the Benue State participates in all national sporting events.