The 21st National Sports Festival came to a glorious fitting end last week with extravagant display of Nigerian spirit of oneness. The prestigious Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba was a sight to behold with colourful march past and gymnastics. It was a week of running, swimming, boxing, throwing and cycling. Beyond these events competed for by athletes from the 36 states and the federal capital territory, were some national ethos embedded in the sports meet.
Atop a variety of benefits of the sports was the building of patriotism. Young Nigerians bubbling with patriotism cast aside religious or ethnic sentiments but were more enamored with the Nigerian family. Many athletes made friends across the divide and these are likely to last for a life time. There was also the unmistakable spirit of unity with realization that with such unity, Nigeria can conquer many challenges. And this was the theme emphasized by the Delta State Information Commissioner Charles Aniagwu when he said with clarity that the sports event was a bond of unity. It is hoped that the political class who are notorious of springing division because of selfish accumulation of power would learn lessons from these Nigerians who displayed unity in the sports meet.
The Pond News therefore makes a passionate appeal to the federal government to continue to support the annual hosting of the sports festival. With Ogun state billed to host next year sports festival, the federal government and corporate organizations should support Ogun state. In so doing, they are fertilizing the spirits of patriotism and unity in the country. And when such virtues are abundantly available in Nigeria, most of the challenges facing us as a nation would disappear and this nation shall comfortably sit on the laps of progress and development.
The benefits of hosting the games are many and varied to Delta State. The economic gains were so glaring. On the stretch of Nnebisi Road where the stadium sits was a mini trade fair. All stripes of traders from different parts of the country were there in the business of selling and buying and many of the traders were not disappointed. Most hotels in Asaba were fully booked and it peaked up the economic fortunes of Asaba as state capital. Transporters were not left out because of the volume of visitors.
Perhaps the lasting benefit of the sports festival was the upgrade of sports facilities in the stadium and other venues where the festival took place. Prophets of dooms predicting the inability of the state government to host the festival were disappointed. The Stephen Keshi Stadium was a sight to behold with international sports facilities in place. These facilities no doubt would be the environment for the grooming of sports men and women who shall conquer in the future. This newspaper makes a case for the maintenance of these facilities. It is heartwarming to note that there was no major security breaches, passing the eternal message that Delta State remains very secure. We appreciate all those who made the sports meet successful.
