By Amaechi Agbo

For the first time in the history of Nasarawa State, the state contingents to the recently concluded 2020 National Sports Festival, NSF tagged Edo 2020 came back from the “natiomal Olympics” with glamour and joy.

This is because they recorded unprecedented results in the festival taking home a total of 22 medals from Benin, Edo State.

Regarded as the “ Home of Solid Minerals”, the athletes went to Benin and mined 5 gold, 4 silver and 13 bronze medals.

These, no doubt, are attributable to the hardwork and foresight of the dogged commissioner, Honourable Othman Bala Adam who his principal, the Executive Governor of the state, Engineer Abdulahi Sule, has provided the level playing ground in material and policy towards galvanising a new sports ideology in the state.

Speaking in an interview, the commissioner explained how the Governor is changing the narrative in the state sports and youth development.

“You must have seen the changes and positive vibes coming out of youth and sports development in Nasarawa State. This is a function drive by the government of Nasarawa State under the leadership of Engineer Abdulahi Sule to change the narrative of youth and sports development. This can be situated within the contest of what you are seeing.

“Not only that, the National Sports Festival, NSF (in Edo) have come and gone and in the history of Nasarawa State, we have secured 5 gold, 4 silver and 13 bronze medal for the state.

“It is unprecedented in the history of Nasarawa State in NSF event,” the former House of Representatives member said.

He recognized in most special way the unparalleled role the governor is playing in ensuring that sports, the best ingredient to keep the youths busy and positively engaged, is given a new face in Nasarawa State.

“This is within the new vista, new thinking and the new positive narratives under Engr Abdulahi Sule administration.”

The Honourable Commissioner stated emphatically that he will remain uncomfortable until sports and youth development in the state are giving what they deserve.

“As a ministry under this administration, we will continue to get uncomfortable until we get it right for the sake of our youths and sports development in Nasarawa State. This is the message and it is what has been happening.

“The mandate given to the ministry is to ensure that youths in the state are positively and constructively engaged in sporting activities.”

Then, he explained how the state made the pragmatic plan at the core of Edo 2020 success and what the future holds for the state going forward.

“We presented a memo to the NSF on Mop-up which is a concept developed locally where we are thinking locally but acting globally. We developed a template for associations under the ministry to develope local events to be held annually.

“This is a starting point to fish out talents, harness, develope and guide them to reach their peak.

“I will continue to ensure that the tempo is sustained. The government is not resting on its ores in ensuring that whatever belongs to Ceaser as far as sporting athletes are concerned, is given to Ceaser.”

With the Edo 2020 come and gone with its successes for the state, the Commissioner is hoping that when the 21st edition of the festival comes calling in Delta State next year, he would be able to beat the the record he has already set by himself.