The governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah, has reiterated his administration’s committed to the development of grassroots sports, saying that it remains a veritable tool for economic empowerment and social development.
In addition, he announced that his government will partner with China Communications Construction Company, (CCCC) to host the 2024 Under-15 youth tournament for athletes across the 17 local government councils in the state.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, ahead of the tournament, which was slated for 20- 25th August, 2024, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, who stood in for Governor Mbah said sports development remains one of the major benchmarks of the current administration in the state.
Ekweremadu explained that the governor recently signed the Enugu State Sports Development Fund into law which allows for private sector participation in sports development in the state.
“The tournament will feature a total of 18 sports, including football, volleyball, Basketball, Boxing, Athletics, Cycling, Wrestling among other games,” he said.
“The local government with the most medals across the sports will receive N1million while the second and third highest will receive N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.”
He further explained that a total of 40 athletes were drawn from each of the local governments areas in the state, adding that local governments were allowed to make their own selection from schools and community sports competitions.
“We will partner with secondary schools to provide accommodation for the athletes, we are also working with the police to ensure that the accommodation environment and competition venues, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium are secured because their security is important for us,” he said.
