The minister of Youths and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung has revealed that two states which he declined to mention have indicated interest to host the next edition of the Festival.
He made this known during a chat with reporters at the City Gate, Abuja during the reception for the Torch of Unity to herald the 19th National Sports Festival.
“We have received two applications from two states who have indicated interest, and have provided guaranty they will host the next edition. The council on sports will look at it,” he stated.
Speaking further, Dalung said he is confident that the Festival won’t fade into oblivion. He revealed that plans were in place to ensure that the Festival holds every 2 years.
“After the resolution of the National Council of Sports, we decided to come back and think outside the box, and in doing that, we felt that engaging the private sector, it will go a long way in mitigating against some of these challenges.
“After this edition, there is going to be series of mobilisation, going round to educate people, road shows discussing these issues before getting to the Games proper,” he revealed.
He further reiterated that the FCT will gain economically from the 10-day competition.
“No host city in the world has hosted sports festival and does not declare excess. For Abuja, it is going to be economic transformation. The national sports festival is one of the legacies of our national unity.
“It will be a boost to our efforts to entrench national integration and unity in Nigeria,” he said.
