By Sanee Yarima
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas says his administration remains committed to prioritizing and investing in the sports sector for its development.
The Governor gave the assurance during a farewell address to the state’s contingents set to depart for the National Sports Festival billed for Ogun State, held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo on Thursday 15th of May 2025.
The event took place at the Gymnasium Hall because it was raining during the scheduled time.
The 22nd edition of the festival, tagged “Gateway Games Ogun 2024,” will commence on the 16th of May 2025.
The Governor charged the athletes to put in their best and secure medals during the festival to make the state proud.
He prayed to God for His mercies on their trip to and from Ogun State and wished them success.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the dissolved Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs Indo Markson, expressed profound gratitude to Dr Agbu Kefas for taking the time to come in person and encourage the athletes.
Mrs Markson assured that the athletes would serve as worthy ambassadors of the state and make Taraba proud by winning medals during the festival.
On his part, the Director of the Sports Commission, Mr George Haruna Shitta, explained that the State’s athletes would be participating in thirteen (13) different sporting events.
He appreciated the inclusion of deaf athletes in the festival and thanked Governor Agbu Kefas for his inclusive and consistent support, as well as prioritizing sports in the state.
Responding on behalf of the athletes, two-time African badminton champion Bulus Ifraimu Jinkam assured the governor of their readiness to bring home all 13 gold medals for the state.
Jinkam also appreciated Dr Kefas for his continued support and motivation to the teaming youth in the state.
However, in an interview with Sports journalists, the Board Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Commission, Barrister Jime Yongo praised the governor for his unwavering support and commitment to youth empowerment and sports development.
Yongo reiterated their total commitment to ensuring that the five fingers of the Moving Forward Agenda of Dr Agbu Kefas are achieved beyond 2027 and prayed for a successful outing to the festival.
It is worth recalling that the opening ceremony of the 1st National Sports Festival took place at the then-National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos State in 1973, aimed to foster unity.
