Honourable Kwanta Yakubu, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, has conducted a thorough inspection of the facilities at the Government Comprehensive Special School in Lafia, designated for the closed camping of the state’s athletes in preparation for the rescheduled 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan; senior special assistants to Governor Abdullahi Sule on youth and students’ affairs, Honourable Shuaibu Sani and Comrade Hamza Moyi Ibrahim. They assessed the readiness of the facilities to accommodate athletes, focusing on aspects such as accommodation, training equipment, medical facilities, and other essential amenities.
Honourable Kwanta, who was guided through the facilities by Dr Yakubu Andrew, head of the Government Comprehensive Special School, expressed satisfaction with the progress made and affirmed that all necessary measures would be implemented to ensure a conducive environment for the athletes.
He stated, “I would like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency, our Governor, for graciously approving funding for these closed camping activities ahead of the main Sports Festival in Ogun State. This initiative marks the first of its kind since the establishment of the state in 1996.”
“This camping is designed to prepare our athletes and coaches for the forthcoming competition. The serene environment of this exceptional school in Lafia, equipped with state-of-the-art sports facilities, will play a crucial role in achieving our goals.”
“The accommodation, kitchen, medical facilities, sports amenities and security arrangements are all impressive. It is safe to say we are capable of hosting a national event here.”
Kwanta, in a press statement issued yesterday by Eche Amos, head of public relations, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, also announced the formation of a central working committee and several sub-committees to enhance Nasarawa State’s prospects for excellence at the biennials national multi-sports competition.
The central working committee, chaired by Dr Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, will oversee the preparation and participation of the state’s contingent. Mr Lawrence Shammah will lead the camping sub-committee, while Mustapha Sani Bello will head the coaching sub-committee.
Other notable appointments include Dr Akpan Nse Abasi overseeing the medical sub-committee and Kigbu Haruna of the Nigeria Police Force leading the security sub-Clcommittee.
In his remarks, Honourable Kwanta emphasised the significance of teamwork, discipline and commitment in achieving success at the National Sports Festival. He revealed that the various Committees would ensure smooth preparations for the event, repositioning Nasarawa State to make a strong impression when competing in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16th to 30th, 2025—a shift from the original 2024 schedule by the Federal Government due to unforeseen circumstances.
He encouraged athletes and coaches to take full advantage of the closed camping exercise to refine their skills and foster team spirit. The Commissioner reiterated that Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration would reward those who excel at the multi-sports meet.
Team Nasarawa is set to compete in twenty-two sporting events, including athletics, badminton, boxing, chess, cycling, darts, golf, female hockey, judo, karate, kung-fu wushu, table tennis, para table tennis, tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, female volleyball, ayo, dambe, para athletics, and deaf athletics.
Thirty-six states from across the federation, along with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are expected to participate in the festival, with over five thousand athletes and coaches anticipated to compete prominently in this biennial event.
