By Isaiah Eka
Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, has charged multinational companies to invest in sports development in order to discover and build young talents.
Eno gave the charge on Tuesday at the opening of the MTN Champs Season 3 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, Eno said that early discovery of talents was critical to developing world class champions.
“I urge other multinational companies in the country to emulate the good example of MTN by investing in the development of grassroots sports,” he said.
The governor used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment towards developing grassroots sports.
“Government alone cannot develop sports, it is capital intensive project. There is need for multinational organisations to partner the government,” he said.
He said that the Akwa Ibom Government had concluded plans to establish a sports academy aimed at discovering and nurturing future champions.
Eno expressed optimism that the MTN Champs Season 3 would produce young athletes capable of representing the state and country in future Olympics.
The governor commended MTN for choosing Uyo as the location for the event, saying,” we need champions in track and field, that is why this event is dear to us”
“If we have our way, we will ask that all the seasons should be held here, but this is not be possible because we still have to go round the country,
“We are happy because by the hosting of the MTN Champs Season 3 in Uyo, the state will harvest more champions in the next five years,” he said.
Earlier, Ibe Etea, the General Manager, Internal Audit and Forensic Services, MTN Nigeria, said that 2,400 athletes from 418 schools would participate in the competition.
He said that the MTN Champs Season 3 was a platform for young Nigerians to shine at both the local and global stage.
Etea said that event began in Benin City with no fewer than 2,000 athletes and moved to Lagos with about 2,500 athletes from 155 schools.
“We are here in Uyo, a city known for its hospitality and rising sporting culture. Today we have 2,400 athletes from 418 schools.
“The event will no doubt showcase exceptional talents across Akwa Ibom and the South-South region at large.
“The stakes are higher, the lights are brighter, and the talent on display is nothing short of world-class,” he said. NAN
