By Adedapo Adesanya
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has said the level of preparedness of many states at the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) signifies that the country is filled with talent.
According to the Minister, who spoke to pressmen at the opening ceremony of the event, “My sight and focus are on the 10 days as I am looking for talents to deploy into the national teams for the next Olympics, France 2024.
“My immediate concern is searching for young talents to represent Nigeria at international competitions.
“I thank the Delta State Government for the adequate preparations made for the Festival because they did not have the entire 24 months to be ready rather they had 16 months.
“A lot of credit should go to the government, which for me, is one of the highlights of the Games and also, all the participating states of the federation.”
“We have five states that have registered their intention to host the next NSF, so it will be interesting to see how the bidding process goes.
“Come December 10, when we will announce the winner, we will also announce the next host of the Festival, the best state will win,” Mr Dare concluded.
The Minister had handed the Delta State Governor, Mr Ifeanyi Okowa, the torch of unity on Tuesday in Asaba after it had previously toured the entire 36 states, including Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The torch commenced its movement after it was flagged off by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Delta State won the last edition of the festival hosted by Edo State in 2021 for the sixth time in a row.
Team Delta topped the medals table after winning 158 gold, 116 silver, and 110 bronze.
Dipo Olowookere 
Business Post Contributor