The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged Nigerian youths not to give up or be discouraged following the many challenges facing the country but rather have hope for a brighter future for the nation.
Obaseki, who spoke in Benin City during a dinner party organised for Team Edo at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, said he is optimistic that the challenges currently facing the country are surmountable.
The party was in honour of Team Edo, which took part at the just concluded National Sports Festival, hosted by the state.
The governor said: “This event was significant at this time in the history of Nigeria as we need to give our youths hope with events like the sports festival to unify the nation at these trying times.
“Don’t despair, don’t be discouraged or disturbed following the challenges that we are facing as a nation but just have hope, do your bit to keep Nigeria as one. That is the spirit behind the sports festival.”
Obaseki further commended Team Edo and their coaches for coming second, adding that the state contingent has made the state proud as they won their medals without doping.
“Our athletes did well. They were not caught with drugs or caught doping. They did their best and won their medals without being involved in drugs. Our youths were well behaved throughout the competition”.
“The spirit of the National Sports Festival was born in this city after the Civil war as our leaders thought it wise to use the game to unite the nation,” he added.
