Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has ordered for immediate release of funds for the participation of Team Benue contingents to the 7th National Youth Games tagged “Asaba 2023”.
Commissioner for youths, sports and creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, disclosed in a press statement, saying the approval has laid to rest the apprehension as to whether or not Benue State will feature in the games billed to commence on the 20th of September, 2023.
The commissioner who was particularly excited said the approval was a sure guarantee that Benue State will be adequately represented at the Asaba 2023 Games.
Ikyange explained that coming two days after he led directors of the Ministry on an inspection tour of facilities at the Sports Council, it was indication that Governor Alia is determined to sustain the state’s presence on the sporting map of Nigeria.
He said, “with the approval for the release of funds for this year’s National Youth games, Benue contingents will not only boost their preparations to fly the flag of the State at the Sports fiesta but will work towards winning more medals to justify the kind gesture by Governor Alia.
The commissioner commended the Governor for the approval and charged the athletes and their coaches to intensify preparations in order to make the state proud during the games.
He reiterated the resolve of his Ministry to ensure that the state does not miss out on any national sporting activity and assured that with the approval, the Governor has demonstrated his readiness to reposition sports in the state.