NSF 2018: Expect Hitch-free Championship - Dalung, Bello Assure Visiting Contigents

NO GOING BACK ON 19TH NSF - Dalung, Bello By Eche Amos Amidst fears of last minute postponement, the two - week 19th National Sport Festival NSF looks set to shut down the nation's capital. Already, some athletes and officials out of the 14,580 participants expected at the fiesta have started arriving the city with lots of enthusiasm and expectations. Addressing a joint press conference earlier on Tuesday at the federal secretariat, Minister of Sports and youth development Bar. Solomon Dalung alongside his FCT counterparts Mal. Mohammed Musa Bello assured of the readiness to host the event and reiterated their resolve to achieve the objective of the festival. Bar. Dalung particularly commended the media and other stakeholders for their contributions towards ensuring the event is staged after the three postponements it suffered since Lagos hosted in 2012. He assured participating states of adequate arrangement for transportation, security and other logistics, noting that 17 sub-committees set up for the event as well as the executing company, Greenfield assets have set the tone for a successful outing. While congratulating the super Falcons for retaining their African women football title for the ninth time, the minister rolled out a number of feats attained by women in sports over the years. Dalung therefore promised to champion a course for improved funding for women related sports activities in view of their commitment and desire for success. The FCT minister expressed optimism that the event when concluded is capable of improving status of the Abuja as a global sports tourism destination. He said the two ministries have taken the initiative and are committed to making the festival a success.