Lagos condemns elite athletes for Ogun '06

  The State Commisioner for Sports and Youths Development, Mr. Bamidele Opeyemi told our correspondent that the decision to feature elites atheltes by the Ministry of Sports would defeat the purpose for which the festival was formed in early 70's.

"Lagos will not partake in the illicit attempt to register all comers. Our decision not to come with elites is aimed at securing the future of the young and up and coming atheltes," he said.

Opeyemi explained that the decision to introduce the elites was reckless on part of the Sports Ministry as it did not discuss it with the stakeholders.

He enjoined other participating states not to tow the Sports Ministry's line by coming to the Sports festival with elite athletes as doing this would amount to denying the youths the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Opeyemi revealed that the Lagos State government had made its position known on this by writing the Sports Ministry three months ago and that it was surprised that there was no reply.

He disclosed that Lagos would be going to the festival with her budding talents and exuded confidence that that would not stop them from performing at the fiesta.

"Our target is to go to where we used to be in the past and with the priority to take step that will make meaningful development," he said.

He added that the state would be going to the festival with a total number of 560 atheltes that would feature in 31 sports.