Yobe Hosts Northeast Sports Ahead of National Sports Festival

The Northeast Zonal Team Sports Competition has officially commenced in Damaturu, Yobe State, as part of the selection process for athletes who will compete in the 2024 National Sports Festival set to take place in May in Ogun State.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed M. Balumi, declared the tournament open, urging athletes to compete fairly. He reassured participants that the state government has taken all necessary steps to ensure a seamless and successful competition.

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He also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to the development and welfare of athletes while encouraging visitors to enjoy Yobe State’s hospitality, emphasizing their safety throughout the event.

The Northeast Zonal Coordinator of Sports at the National Sports Commission, Okey Emmanuel, highlighted the significance of the competition, likening it to Nigeria’s version of the Olympics. He stressed that only the most outstanding athletes would advance to the festival, urging all participants to play by the rules and bring pride to their respective states.

The four-day zonal elimination tournament brings together athletes from six states—Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe competing in various team sports, including football, hockey, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, handball, cricket, and Abula.

Emmanuel also commended the Yobe State Government for hosting the event and called on journalists covering the competition to uphold ethical standards in their reporting.