Obasanjo urges Nigerians to embrace sports

President Olusegun Obasanjo has enjoined all participants in the just concluded National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games and indeed all Nigerians to avail themselves the opportunities offered by the fiesta to make more friends.

While drawing the curtain closed on the 15th edition
of the Games, nigeriasports.com was on hand to report
that the President described sports generally as a
veritable instrument for peace adding that all
participants to the festival should use the round
table to explore Ogun State.

He therefore, called on single Nigerian men to do
their best to hook up girls of Ogun State origin in
marriage.

The president earlier on, expressed deep
appreciation to all who made the Gateway Games 2006 a
big success, especially the Sports and Social
Development Minister, Dr. Samaila Saidu Sambawa,
Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State and the Governor
of Borno for their invaluable contributions to the
Games.

In his own speech, the Sports and Social Development
Minister, pointed out that new national records have
been set in many categories of the sporting event.

Saying as part of objectives of holding the games, it
has well improved sporting infrastructures and
facilities in Ogun State the home of the President,
while reminding all Nigerians that the important aim
of friendship and unity have also been achieved.

Earlier on, the host, Governor Gbenga Daniel recalled
that their earlier boast of hosting to win was not
intended to win by all means however, it was winning
more friends from all works of life across the nation.

At the last count, Delta State emerged overall
Champions at the 2006 version of the all-Nigerian
Games. In the outing which witnessed inclusion, for
the1st time, Elite Games, the Niger Deltans pulled a
total of 78 Gold 55 Silver and 96 Bronze medals.

They were trailed by Edo State with 75 Gold 50 Silver
and 70 Bronze medals to place 2nd
While the host Ogun State clinched the 3rd position
with 60 Gold 63 silver 81 Broze medals #

By Gift Eguma

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