The Kogi Sports Council Urges Support In Anticipation Of The 8th National Youth Games.

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Onipe made this appeal on Sunday during an interactive session with journalists at the Kogi athletes’ camp in Lokoja.

He disclosed that the Kogi State Sports Council is fully engaged in camp, gearing up for the preliminary games of the 8th National Youth Games, which are set to take place in Jos.

Onipe further detailed that the zonal preliminaries will begin on Wednesday, August 28, and run through September 4, with Jos serving as the zonal headquarters for the event.

“Our teams, representing various sports such as beach volleyball, basketball, cricket, and soccer, have been in camp for nearly a week now.

“We are ready to deliver our best performance, thanks to the dedication of our coaches and the support from the new Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports. Although financial challenges have been an issue in the past, we have witnessed significant improvements under the current administration,” Onipe stated.

While congratulating Governor Ododo, Onipe passionately called for further support as the preliminary games draw near, leading up to the National Youth Games in September.

“Although we are fully committed to preparing our athletes, we still require additional financial and logistical support to ensure our teams perform at their best. We appeal to the government, the private sector, and well-meaning individuals to back our efforts. Together, we can ensure that Kogi State not only participates but excels in these games.”

Earlier, the Head of Coaching and Training at the Kogi State Sports Council, Amade David, echoed this plea for support, expressing optimism ahead of the National Youth Games.

“We are ready for more victories. Our athletes are in high spirits, and we are prepared for the preliminaries next week. With continued government support and further backing from the community, we are hopeful of bringing home medals,” he added.

Assistant Weightlifting Coach Blessing Anthony Itodo highlighted the athletes’ readiness but stressed the need for better equipment and improved facilities.

“We have been in camp with intense preparation. However, our facilities, particularly the pitch and halls, urgently need repairs and better security.

“Proper maintenance could turn these venues into revenue-generating assets for the state. We appeal to the government and the private sector to help us address these issues,” she stated.

Two-time Olympian and Chief Judo Coach, Suleiman Musa, also called for ongoing support from the state government and stakeholders.

“The Director’s initiative to start the camp early has given us an advantage, and we are confident in our athletes’ abilities. However, we need more resources to ensure their success. We hope His Excellency and other supporters will visit the camp and address our needs,” Musa added.

Speaking on behalf of all the athletes, Sunday Ibrahim expressed their determination to excel at the games and reiterated the need for a collective effort.

“We are motivated by the support we’ve received so far and are committed to bringing glory to Kogi State at the National Youth Games. But to achieve this, we need everyone to come together and fully back us,” he said.