Kogi Athletes Present 30+ Medals to Governor Ododo, Anyebe Hails »

The Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, has attributed the outstanding performances of Kogi athletes at national and international sporting competitions to the strong support and commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo towards youth and sports development in the state.

Hon. Anyebe made the remarks on Monday at the Government House in Lokoja during the presentation of trophies, medals and other laurels won by Team Kogi to Governor Ododo.

The Commissioner said the medals and trophies symbolise the resilience, discipline, sacrifice and determination of Kogi athletes who continue to distinguish themselves as worthy ambassadors of the state on different sporting platforms.

According to him, the administration of Governor Ododo has created an enabling environment that inspires young people to pursue excellence in sports and other productive ventures, leading to the remarkable achievements being recorded by Team Kogi.

He noted that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development remains committed to discovering, nurturing and developing sporting talents from every part of the state, including Lokoja, Idah, Okene, Kabba, Ankpa, Yagba and other communities, with a view to building a sustainable sports development system capable of producing world-class athletes.

Hon. Anyebe commended the athletes, coaches and officials for their dedication and sacrifices, describing them as shining examples of discipline, patriotism and excellence.

“We are proud of our athletes for their determination and resilience. Their achievements are a testament to what can be accomplished when government invests in youth and sports development. We remain committed to creating more opportunities for young people to excel and bring honour to Kogi State,” he said.

The Commissioner further urged the athletes to remain focused and continue to uphold the values of integrity, discipline and sportsmanship as they carry the hopes and aspirations of the state.

Responding, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo congratulated the athletes for making Kogi proud and described sports as a powerful instrument for promoting unity, peace and youth engagement.

The Governor said the successes recorded by Team Kogi have strengthened the bonds of unity and togetherness among the people of the state, urging the athletes not to allow political, ethnic or religious differences to divide them.

“You have made Kogi State proud. Sports is not about politics; it is about uniting our people and keeping our youths meaningfully engaged,” the Governor stated.

Governor Ododo also commended Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe for his dedication and efforts in repositioning sports development in the state, noting that the ministry’s initiatives are already yielding remarkable results.

As part of the ceremony, the Governor was decorated with one of the medals won by Team Kogi, symbolising the more than 30 medals secured by the state’s athletes in various competitions, while championship trophies were formally presented to him in appreciation of his administration’s support for sports development.