Abdullahi Inaugurates NSF M.O.C

Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) to be hosted by Lagos State.

Bolaji Abdullahi stated that, the inauguration of the MOC is important in order to set the tone for the games tagged Nigeria Olympics.

He opined that knowing the commitment and energetic involvement of the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola in sports, the 18th NSF slated for the 3rd week in November to the 1st week in December 2012 coupled with the elaborate plans by Lagos State Government would ensure that the dates for the Festival would not be changed.

The Minister listed Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Patrick Ekeji as the Chairman of the MOC of the 18th NSF.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, who is the Chairperson of the L.O.C, is the Vice Chairperson, other members of the MOC amongst others include the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development in Lagos State, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Directors of National Sports Commission and other important stakeholders in Nigeria sports.

He concluded by noting that, the Festival is still dependent for funding on hosting State. he therefore tasked the 18th NSF MOC to package the Festival in order to attract Corporate Organisations sponsorship.

Ekeji, Chairman MOC, DG National Sports Commission said the 18th NSF would be well packaged and made attractive to corporate sponsors thereby reducing administrative costs. He furthermore said that, there would be designing and hosting of a standard website and databank.

Ekeji also opined that adequate dissemination of information and timelines would be strictly adhered to. There is an erroneous assumption that the Federal Government provides funding to the hosting State of the Festival, this is just mere assumption, he concluded.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire enunciated that the best is yet to come on the organisation of the NSF. Lagos is the “Centre of Excellence” and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that excellence is achieved in the organisation of the 18th NSF.

She assured all that Festival rules and regulations would be strictly adhered to while enjoining all to join hands with the Lagos State Government in giving the country the best to be proud off. Suggestions, ideas and collaborations are welcomed, she concluded.