By Maduabuchi Kalu on September 27, 2016

The Chief Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has urged the president and board of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), to embark on massive sensitisation exercise, to be able to attract more participants in the next edition of the annual Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming competition.

He gave the charge to the Mr Babatunde Fatayi-Williams-led board of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, during the closing ceremony of the 7th edition of the Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming Championship at the Teslim Balogun Swimming Pool Complex, Surulere, Lagos.

His words: “Permit me to start this address by expressing my sincere thanks to the government and the good people of Lagos State for accepting to host this 7th edition of the Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming Championship, despite short notice. This is a clear testimony of the love that His Excellency, the executive governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has for sports. This can be attested to by the hosting of several regional and national tournaments recently in the state. The officers, ratings and the civilian staff of the Nigerian Navy are grateful for your kind gesture.

“Since the championship started a few years ago, we have witnessed a superlative display of talents from young boys and girls from all over the federation. This championship has gone a long way to tap talent from the grassroots who have represented the country in regional and international engagements.

“Let me reiterate that this championship is also Nigerian Navy’s modest contribution to the overall development of water sports in the country. I am equally grateful for the interest the championship has generated among the state in the country which can be seen by the number of representation. I must also commend the participating states and organisations, especially in their effort of using this forum to reduce juvenile delinquency and insecurity in the country. I, therefore, urge the Nigeria Aquatics Federation to go a step further by sensitising the society for more participation in this laudable venture.

“On this note, let me congratulate all the teams that participated in this year’s championship. Though, some teams won medals while others did not. What is more important is that you participated and we have discovered more talents. I hope that you maintain the friendship you established during this period.

“I want to most sincerely thank His Excellency, the executive Governor and the good people of Lagos State, the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, all the states and organisations that sponsored them, all the officials and swimmers, the media and anyone else that contributed in making the championship a success as attested to by previous speakers.”

•Photo shows Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 27, 2016

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