The President, Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday hoisted flag of the National Sports Festival to signify both the readiness of the federal and Lagos State government on hosting the games.
Represented at the ceremony held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos by the Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the President said hoisting of the flags, especially that of the nation is a sign of government’s support for the festival even as the state governor Tunde Fashola said the state was ready for the games.? “The innovation is commendable, it is one of the innovation that signifies the commencement of the festival. It will help to create awareness and mobilise support for the festival. This is also a sign that the federal government is in support of the festival and that the festival is meeting its objectives,” the president said.
The Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola also said the event is a momentous step to the hosting of the festival, assuring that the state is ready to host the festival. “I remember that about 43 days ago I was in Abuja to in receiving the torch from the last host Rivers State government to signify the commencement of the formalities of the official hosting of the game. Today is another bold step towards the formal opening” he said.
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who doubles as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire reassured that the state is ready for the festival. “We are impressed with the excitement and enthusiasm by which other states have received the games’ torch as it travelled all around and is making its way to Lagos. Today marks another milestone in the history of the 18th National Sports Festival which is 25 days away from today. The hoisting of these flags is a symbolic event in the history of our great country. The hoisting is confirmation of the participation of other states. As the games will begin let the athletes demonstrate sportsmanship and glory in defeat. I want to call on all delegates to imbibe the spirit of friendship throughout the competition.”
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