The governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has given his approval for the immediate release of funding for the athletes from Benue State to compete in the seventh National Youth Games, dubbed “Asaba 2023.”
This was announced today in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, by the commissioner for youths, sports, and creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange.
Benue State’s participation in the games scheduled to begin on the 20th of this month has been confirmed, according to Hon. Ikyange in a press release made accessible to newsmen.
The commissioner stated that receiving approval ensures Benue State would have a strong presence at the national youth games.
Two days after he accompanied ministry directors on an inspection tour of the Sports Council’s facilities, Hon. Ikyange revealed that the money had just been approved.
He claimed that he had the chance to speak with Benue athletes getting ready for the games during the inspection.
According to Hon. Ikyange, the speedy release of funding shows that Governor Alia is committed to maintaining the State’s position on Nigeria’s athletic map.
He stated: “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 state flag at the sports fiesta but will work towards winning more medals to justify the kind gesture by Governor Alia.”
Further thanking the governor for his consent, the commissioner urged the athletes and their coaches to step up their preparations in order to represent the state honourably in the games.
The governor has shown his willingness to reposition sports in the state by receiving approval, according to Hon. Ikyange, who reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to making sure Benue State doesn’t lose out on any major national sporting event.
