By Terfa Alaghga
“Do not be demoralized by your performance but pick up the challenge, to perform better in future”.
The Benue State Commissioner of Youth, Sports and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange gave these words of encouragement, to the Benue State contingent at the 2023 National Youth Games, NYG, last Friday, in Asaba, Delta State. He said, “the zeal and determination which you displayed during the Games is a sign that you will attain greater heights in future events.”
He said the athletes should see their participation in the week-long sports meet as a moral booster, noting that, “the selection of some athletes from Benue to the national camp is a proof that you have exhibited your talent and creativity at the sports fiesta”.
The Commissioner who lamented over the lack of interest in sports development by the previous administration which had taken the sports sector to its lowest ebb, said, “the Benue State Government has announced plans to organise Benue State Sports Festival as a way of discovering talents that would be representing the State in future, at both national and International tournaments”.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Alia for making it possible for the state athletes to feature in the Youth Games. And that, ” efforts would be made to ensure regular training, through the provision of standard sporting facilities at the Aper Aku Sports Complex, Makurdi”.
On his part, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Jaafaru Ango while commending Benue athletes for their resilience, urged them to focus on developing themselves in their chosen sports. He emphasized that, “the aim of the youth games is not necessarily for winning medals but for talent discovery”.
