Director of Sports in Kwara State, Mallam Ibrahim Bako, has described the ongoing National Youth Games North Central Zonal Elimination holding in Ilorin as a symbolic step towards enhancing grassroots sports development in the Country.
Speaking with sportswriters while going round to monitor the game at various Venues in Ilorin stadium complex, Mallam Bako commended the joyous mood and sportsmanship displayed by contingents from different states since the commencement of the elimination games.
He, however, noted that the lateness of some teams to the event had led to an adjustment in the schedule.
According to him, the games initially billed to end today Sunday, have been extended by an extra day and will now be rounded off on Monday, with teams expected to depart on Tuesday.
The Sports Director expressed gratitude to the Kwara State Governor for making it possible for the state to host the zonal elimination.
He stressed that Kwara remains the preferred destination for many states due to its reputation as the “Mecca of Sports,” where multiple sporting activities can be hosted within the Ilorin Stadium Complex.
Mallam Bako maintained that Kwara State has the facilities and experience required to host the National Sports Festival.
The Director urged the state to consider bidding for the hosting rights in the near future, even as Enugu State has already declared interest in staging the next edition of the Games.
The North Central elimination series serves as a qualification stage for athletes and teams seeking participation in the upcoming National Youth Games, a grassroots competition designed to discover and develop young sporting talents across Nigeria.
