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The prestigious Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja was beehive of activities at the weekend as top Sports delegation from Benue State visited the headquarters of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The revered Sports personalities including the State Commissioner of Youth, Sports Development and Creativity Mr Terkimbi Ikyange, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr John Akume, Chairman Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Chief Barr. Paul Edeh among others who paid a courtesy visit on the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, made a rare and symbolic presentation of many agricultural produce.
The presentation showcasting Benue State as the food basket of Nigeria included massive tubers of Yams, Fishes and Oranges.
Earlier at the courtesy visit, the Commissioner and former Speaker Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Ikyange expressed the readiness of the State Government to partner NSC in advancing the course of sports development in Nigeria.
Mr. Ikyange particularly noted that already the current administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has taken the lead among other States in embarking on unprecedented overhaul of the state’s sporting system.
He said, “Aside other forms of investments in various sports, currently, rehabilitation work is ongoing at the magnificient Aper Aku Stadium Makurdi after the governor graciously awarded the contract for the pitch re-grassing and other parts of the facility.”
The Commissioner then urged the NSC hierarchy to always consider Benue State as the first point of call when it comes to upliftment of the country’s sporting drive adding, “Benue state is blessed with abundant talents and other resources and is making impact in sports development and other human and economic viable areas.”
Responding, the NSC helmsman, Mallam Dikko assured that the doors of the Commission is wide open for collaboration that will lead to the revival of the nation’s sporting lost glory in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mandate.
Mallam Dikko also commended the State delegation as being the first to visit him with remarkable presentation since he assumed office.
The newly appointed Director-General of NSC, Mr. Bukola Olopade, had in a remark said the return of the Commission was to lead Nigeria’s sporting revolution in a clear demonstration of the will to professionally make the desired impact.
Later on, BSFA Chairman, Chief Barr. Edeh who spoke glowingly about the new NSC leadership said with Mallam Dikko and Mr Olopade on the saddle, Nigeria’s Sports is on the path to glorious times ahead.
Talking about the delivery of different Agricultural yields to the NSC, FA chairman known for his creative push for football development in Benue State, enthused, “We are quite rich in all ramifications, showcasing who we are is always a delight that truly shows what Benue State stands for and deserves.”
