Date: 2016-11-19

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Ahmad has reiterated his support for the growth and development of sports in the state, saying that it is a great avenue to reduce vices in the society.

Ahmad made the pledge at the closing ceremony/prize presentation to winners and participants of the maiden Inter-Chapel Scrabble Competition organised by the Sports Writers' Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara Chapter and sponsored by the Speaker ?at the State Indoor Sports Conference on Friday.

He described scrabble as a game that continued to develop individual's intellect, ability to think fast and always put the brain at test to learn new words.

While challenging SWAN not to limit the participation to Journalists alone, Ahmad enjoined the association to incorporate other professional bodies in the subsequent editions with a view to further promote scrabble in the state.

The Speaker, however expressed his delight at the level of participation in the competition's maiden edition, urging the sports association to sustain the tempo as it is an avenue for Journalists to further develop and relate better.

He also expressed the 8th Assembly commitment to sports development in the state, stressing that the House would not hesitate to come in and assist them whenever the need arises.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Arc. Kale Ayo appreciated Dr. Ali Ahmad for his resolve to contribute to the development of sports in the state through scrabble, encouraging other political office holders to emulate his foresight.

Ayo said Kwara has always been at the forefront of sporting activities in the country and pledged that no stone would be left unturned to sustain the feat.

Earlier, the SWAN Chairman, Abdulwaheed Bibire had noted that the competition objectives is to ?foster cordial relationship among media workers, encourage inter-chapel interaction and further promote interest in scrabble.

?Bibire maintained that after rounds of rigorous and intellectual encounters by Journalists from different chapels and hours of relating with words, the competition could be regarded as success.

He however appreciated the unflinching support of Kwara Speaker as well as members of the 8th Assembly for the success recorded.