By Samuel Ahmadu and Kuti Dare, Ilorin on September 24, 2016

Permanent Secretary in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports, Joseph Edem, says the state is targeting a top place finish at the 2016 National Youth Games kicking off today, Saturday, September 24, 2016 in Ilorin.

Edem, who spoke upon their arrival in the Kwara State capital, said the state contingent is aiming to surpass their previous second-place finish in last year’s edition.

The Permanent Secretary, who doubles as head of Akwa Ibom State delegation, said the Udom Emmanuel-led State Government has created an enabling environment for the athletes to excel at the Games.

He urged the Federal Government to take the Youth Games seriously, citing the event as a grassroots platform to unearth future stars for the country.

Edem advocated that stiffer sanctions be meted out to any state caught competing with over-aged athletes, suggesting outright ban on such state(s) from the age-grade fiesta in the country.

He added that the state will compete in 14 sports featuring 76 athletes alongside thirty-two technical officials at the week-long sporting event.

Daily Sports reports that Akwa Ibom State finished as the first runner-up at the maiden edition of the Games behind overall winner Cross River State.

•Photo shows Joseph Edem, Akwa Ibom Permanent Secretary for Sports.

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 24, 2016

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