National Youth Games: Bello tasks Niger contingents to come tops

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has urged 116 contingents representing the state in the elimination series of the National Youth Games (NYG), scheduled for Aug. 17 to 19 in Jos, to come tops.

Bello made the call in Minna on Thursday while inaugurating the officials and athletes.

The governor said that a win in their various team events would secure their participation in the NYG taking place in Ilorin, Kwara, between September 7 and 17.

“It is our responsibility to make sure that you are well equipped, encouraged, and mobilised to represent Niger state and finish victoriously.

“We are treating you with respect to enable you come out victorious in order to participate in NYG in Ilorin,’’ he said.

He said that the contingents to the North Central event include 93 athletes, 13 coaches and 10 officials.

Represented by Malam Mamman Musa, the state commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, the governor enjoined the officials and athletes to be good ambassadors of the state.

Contributing, the ministry’s Director of Sports, Alhaji Baba Sheshi, said that the athletes would compete in handball for male, basketball, male and female, volleyball, male and female, hockey for male and cricket, male and female categories.

Responding, the male basketball captain, Mr Kelvin Joseph, assured the governor that they would strive to win in their various team events.

Joseph said that the athletes would be in their best behaviour throughout the games.

It was reported that the participating states include Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Benue.