The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has said the state government would revive sports festival in the state.

He stated that his administration would make the state the hub of sports excellence in Nigeria and would support any individual or corporate body willing to partner the government to develop sports in the state. He added that his administration had re-introduced school sports to scout talent and to identify, develop and harness talented young athletes.

Ahmed, who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, spoke during a dinner on Tuesday in honour of athletes from the state who participated in various competitions at the national and international levels in 2015.

The dinner was organised by a sport enthusiast, Mr. Lanre Shagaya while athletes from 12 different associations were presented with cash, certificates and plaques. The governor lauded stakeholders in the sports industry for their commitment to the development of sports in the state.

Shagaya, who said he hosted the athletes to appreciate them and their coaches for their outstanding performances and commitment in 2015, urged them not to relent but to keep winning more laurels.

The State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Kale Ayo, said the ministry was committed to organising many competitions to discover new athletes that would be developed and harnessed to win laurels at the 2016 National Sports Festival.