Date: 2016-03-01

The University of Ilorin has been offered the hosting rights of the 2016 edition of the National Youth Games holding between August 24 and September 11. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), disclosed this last Tuesday (February 23, 2016) at a dinner in honour of Kwara athletes who excelled in various sporting events at the national and international levels last year.

Represented by the Deputy Vice–Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) Nike Ijaiya, the Vice-Chancellor said, ''The University of Ilorin has been offered the hosting right of the 2016 National Youth Games and we have graciously accepted. So we're looking forward to seeing all of you converging on the University of Ilorin very soon.'

Athletes under the age of 16 years from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will participate in 22 sports, with cricket featuring as demonstration sports, at the2016 National Youth Games.

In his remarks at the dinner, the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, who represented the state Governor, disclosed that the state government had approved the revival of the state sport festival, which last edition held in 2007.

p>In his own address, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Kale Ayo, appealed to all sport philanthropists, Local Government Councils and well-meaning individuals to assist the government in the area of sports promotion and development in the state.

Among the dignitaries that attended the dinner that was sponsored by Engr. Lanre Sagaya, the Zanna of Ilorin, were the Registrar, University of Ilorin, Mr. Emmanuel Obafemi; the Chairman, Unilorin Sports Council, Prof. Bassey Eke; the Director of the Sport Unit, University of Ilorin, Prof. Olawole Obiyemi; the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad; and the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya.