…..Says Delta state should be praised not vilified
Former Director in the Nigeria Ministry of Sports, and currently the project officer for hostel accommodation at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State ,Dr Ademola Are has debunked reports of the poor states of hostel accommodations for the Athletes, presenting pictorial evidences of the current state of their accommodations to buttress his claims.
Dr Ademola Are while speaking to www.theajasanews.com in Asaba explained that the so called pictures of the Athletes hostel was the initial challenges they experienced.
Speaking further, Are said,
“From the onset, at the begining of this Youth Games, they actually earmarked some notable institutions in Asaba, Delta state because precisely everything about the Games must be within thirty kilometers radius so that nobody is away too far from their various venues.
“During preparations we were able to earmark Osadebe University, Infant Jesus and Academy Technical College, these are notable school with good environment, good facilities, bunk beds and and they are expected to take care of over 5000 athletes and officials.
“However, due to the postpoment of the Games most of these institution had to call back their students and as at time the Games was going to take place they were already doing their exams and we cannot drive them out to go back home without doing their exams. Because of this the governor gave approval that we should just go ahead and make use of all the public schools available. Some of them have the double bunk, some did not have. So, we needed to things on the floor, and the Ministry was adequately informed of this situation.
“We did all this and ensure that those that came in first were given priority, getting their necessary accommodation. Osadebe University was expected to take care of 2500 Athletes and officials, Infant Jesus was expected to take care of 1500, and Technical College almost 200. This might not be adequate because of the shortages we envisaged due to the presence of the students in the schools. We need to look for alternatives, and these alternatives were not boarding schools, so we have to make arrangements, put in mobile toilets, provide makeshift bathrooms to ensure that the children are adequately accommodated. As as today that I am talking to you, this has been done.
“The pictures that are been circulated were the once taken at the earlier stage when we were still struggling to ensure that we house everybody,”
Dr Are noted that Delta state government should not be vilified for some very minor challenges and teething experienced, but should be appreciated and encouraged for their contribution to sports development in Nigeria.
Comment:*
Nickname*
E-mail*
Website
