The Delta State Government has assured athletes, officials, spectators and other sports tourists of top-notch security arrangements during the National Youth Games scheduled to take place in Asaba from September 9th to 19th, 2024.

Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, gave the assurance during an inspection of the facilities, just days before the commencement of the games.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Emu emphasized that the state government had invested in modern security equipment and systems to ensure the security and safety of all participants, addeding that parents and guardians should rest assured that their wards will be safe throughout the duration of the event.

“We have put in place advanced security measures, including surveillance systems and personnel trained to respond swiftly to any incidents. The safety of the athletes and officials is our top priority, and we are leaving no stone unturned,” Emu stated.

The Lagos State Para-powerlifting Association in conjunction with the Lagos State Sports Commission organized a one-day championship held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

As part of the efforts of the association to continue to put athletes in competitive shape and improve their strength, skills and techniques ahead of national and international championships, the event featured five different weights: 50kg, 55kg, 67kg, 75kg and 85kg.

The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission LSSC, Lekan Fatodu, ably represented by the Director Public Affairs,Titilayo Oshodi-Eko, noted that the essence of the championship is to consolidate on the THEMES plus agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu particularly to give platform to the People living with disabilities to showcase their sporting skills.

He stressed that the state government under Governor Sanwo-Olu is working round the clock to ensure that para athletes get the same attention being giving to their able counterparts. Having draped the state colours at the second edition of the National Para-Games in Abuja, Fatodu reiterated that the state would continue to give maximum attention to sports development irrespective of the athletes status.

According to the Chairman, Lagos State Para-Powerlifting Association, Dr Babatunde Awelenje, adaptive sports is one of tool to empower people living with disabilities and the championship enabled the state to showcase athletes and give them opportunity to express their talent.

No fewer 30 male and female athletes drawn from different parts of the state competed at the championship which started with the preliminaries, Awelenje expressed commitment of the association to organize regular competitions to engage and keep the athletes busy.

While acknowledging the support of the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu towards the success of the event, Awelenje commended the Lagos State Government for creating the enabling environment for the people living with disabilities to excel in sports and promote self-development for para-athletes.

He revealed that the association will organize another championship with collaborative support of the Lagos State Sports Commission before the end of the year.

In his remarks, Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Sports Development, Damilare Orimoloye highlighted that the state will not rest on its oars when it comes to sports development, adding that people living with disabilities will be encouraged to participate actively in sporting activities.

The athletes who represented the state at different competitions including, the second edition of the National Para-Games held last year in Abuja, commended the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Sports Commission for supporting the association to stage the championship.

The athletes called for more competitions to enhance the growth of the Para-Powerlifting, discover new athletes for the state and the PLWDs a sense of belonging.

At the end of the championship, cash prizes were presented to the top three athletes in various weight categories.

The National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Ambassador (Rev). Samuel Ikpea has joined millions of football stakeholders and enthusiasts to commiserate with the members of the Nigeria football community on the death of Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams.

Hon. Adams, who was the Chairman of the House Of Representatives’ Committee On Youth and Sports, passed on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, a protracted illness.

In the message of condolence, Ikpea expressed his sadness and grief on the passing of Hon. Adams, which he remarked happened at a period of regeneration of sports in Nigeria.

The boss of NFSC, renowned as Nigeria and Africa’s foremost football fans group, recalled the brief, but momentous achievements and feats of Adams, during his time as General Manager of Remo Stars football club, and also, as President of Kada Stars football club, Kaduna.

“The news of the death of Hon. Adams came to us as a rude and unexpected shock, that would take some time to go away from our hearts,” Ikpea said.

“In his brief sojourn on this earth and particularly, in football and sports, Hon. Adams certainly left indelible marks on the sands of time. We are proud of his life and times.

“We’re pained, but we must continue to thank God for everything. On behalf of all the members of NFSC, at home and in the diaspora, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to his families and associates.

“We pray that God strengthens the family emotionally and spiritually. May God also strengthen and bless all stakeholders in Nigeria sports,” Ikpea prayed.