The federal government through the ministry of sports has declared Delta State, as the winner of the bid to host the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival in 2022.
Federal Sports Minister, Hon Sunday Akin Dare, made the disclosure in Benin City, on Wednesday April 14, while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 20th edition of the sports festival.
Team Delta emerged as the champions of the competition with 158 gold, 116 silver, and 110 bronze.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe JP, described Team Delta as a mega force powered by the divine grace of God, to bring honour to the State.
He commended Team Delta members for their superlative performance; and the state governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, for providing the enabling environment, sports infrastructure and adequate funding to build the capacity of athletes for the national sports competition.
The EACGOV further asserted that Okowa administration has consistently brought uncommon transformation and great accomplishments to the state since 2015 and still counting.
Oghenesivbe also commended the Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa, for his pragmatic and visionary leadership, saying that he had consistently proved his worth as an astute sports administrator, and for leading the team to victories in various sporting engagements.
“Delta hosting the National Sports Festival in 2022, is a thing of Joy. The state have the facilities and the wherewithal to host and provide the required hospitality for the nation’s athletes, sports officials and guests from across the country.
“Hosting the sports festival next year will no doubt boost Delta tourism industry, and the financial gains for both public and private sectors shall be enormous and worth thanking God for.
“This is another plus for Delta and it is only fair for all well meaning Deltans to commend the state governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, for working so hard to place the state in the front roll of national scheme of things in Nigeria,” Oghenesivbe said.