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As the 7th Kwara Sports Festival approaches, the Main Organising Committee, under the Chairpersonship of the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Joana Nnazua Kolo, today paid courtesy visits to security personnel and some media houses in the State to guarantee the participating athletes and officials adequate safety and publicity.
The tour to build arrangements on security of the participants and skyrocket the pace of publicity on the event was made to the Nigeria Police Headquarters, Ilorin, Federal Road Safety Corps, Kwara State Command, Ilorin, and Sobi FM, Ilorin.
Recollect that the Committee is simultaneously going round all the Local Government Areas in the State to replicate the ceremony of unity exemplified by His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Committee also deploys the replication of the “torch-of-unity” rite round the local areas to assure the parents of adequate security arrangements by the Kwara State Government in respect of the forthcoming festival.
Today’s outing by the Committee Members was partly to vindicate the assurance of the Committee on safety before, during and after the big event.
The Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Hameed Adio, who led members of the Committee to the various destinations, identified security and publicity as key factors in determining the success of any programme, justifying that when adequate safety is ensured, participants will have rest of mind and confidence in every activity they partake in.
He also noted that both the Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps have established household names in the sports industry, saying that the history of sports in the country will always recall the monumental contributions of the two organisations to the world of sports and stressing that both organisations are inextricably linked with sporting activities.
He pointed out the pervasiveness of sports in the modern time, sermonising that sports is no longer the pastime of the wayward or drop outs.
Adio then observed that the efforts of the Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps in peace-making operation in society and safety of road users cannot be underrated.
Stating that the place of the press in the political retirement of the past Administration reeking of rot is indispensable, the Vice-Chairman commended the media sector for efficient reporting of the events in the country.
He reminded the hosts that the project needs aggressive publicity to be able to get wide coverage, advising them to continue striving to build a reputable image for the present Administration in the State.
The ex-Olympic Captain enjoined both the security operatives and the broadcasters to come in terms with the people-oriented programmes of Governor AbdulRazaq, adding that this reciprocating gesture will help the good intentions of the Governor manifest amply.
He, in essence, sought the cooperation of the hosts.
Receiving the Committee in his office, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, C.P. Kayode Egbetokun, showed his delight for the project, which he described as a channel to manage the gamut of restiveness on the part of the youths in the State.
Egbetokun confirmed the significant place of sports among police officers, arguing that the decision by the police to set aside one or two hours on every Wednesday for sports is to the effect of the Nigeria Police’s recognition of the importance of sports.
He assured that the mission of the Committee to his office is already accomplished, as security build up is already on track in preparation for the sports festival.
In his response, the Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Kwara Command, C.C. Jonathan A. Owoade, volunteered to partner with the Kwara State Government and the Committee in bringing to fruition the forthcoming festival.
He appealed to the Committee to let his Command get the proper details of involvement in the festival, so that he will accordingly disseminate the information to the component units.
He noted that with the readiness and commitment of the Committee and the people of the State to complement the efforts of the State Government, Kwara will one day reach the promised land, hoping that the State will continue producing sports stars with international recognition and economic arsenal.
Mr. Owoade added that the Government of Mallam AbdulRazaq has been relating well with the Command before this time, thanking the State Government for always caring for the FRSC Command.
The Head of Content and Programmes, Sobi FM, Mr. Akinwande Ogundele, who spoke on behalf of the station, stated that the station has a special place for sports reportage, promising that the station will not hesitate to render the service to see that the festival is successful.
He explained that the station values quality production when it comes to broadcasting, saying that the standard will not be lowered in its partnership with the Committee in the staging of the festival.
The visiting crew also included Dr. Steve Olarinoye, Mrs. Serah Adebola Esan, Mallam Ibrahim Bako(Secretary of the Committee), Alhaji Razaq Olorunmako, Chief (Mrs.) Abimbola Olaoye and others.
The Committee will tour Patigi, Edu and Ifelodun LGAs tomorrow, bringing along the “torch-of-unity” lamb.
