• As Champs S3 Unveils More Future Athletics Champions In Uyo

By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO – BOTH federal and the Akwa Ibom state governments on Friday acknowledged MTN’s pacesetting efforts in grassroots sports development in Nigeria as athletics talents discovery initiative, MTN Champs Season 3 closed on a high in Uyo.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, urged other corporate bodies to emulate the event’s sponsor as government can’t do it alone for sports development.

Mallam Dikko commended the telecoms giant, “Specially for what they’re doing with this project. It’s quite brilliant, in alignment with the vision of the president, to give the youth the opportunity for a better tomorrow, and this is why we had to be here.

“The focus of sports in Nigeria at the moment is youth development and grassroots sports. This is why the president appointed a special committee on grassroot sports, because of the vision and the mindset that grassroots sport is the future.”

For Governor Eno, his “Administration is determined to comb schools and colleges in search of stars and potential champions that would represent this country in future Olympics and world championships.

“You can then imagine the joy for us to realise that MTN is doing just that by not only discovering those talents but ensuring they receive the benefit of education. We owe the next generation a duty to guarantee their future in all endeavours.”

Summing the outcome of MTN Champs Season 3, Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadiri, said, “Across Benin, Lagos, and right here in Uyo, we witnessed about 7,000 athletes registered for this season.

“From the thunder of the track to the soaring heights in the field events, we have witnessed raw talent, unwavering dedication, and the bright future of Nigerian athletics unfold before our very eyes.

“We have seen personal bests shattered, new rivalries
forged, and the emergence of new champions who will undoubtedly leave their mark on the national and international stage.

“We anticipate that the 10 exceptional Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) emerging from this season will join the current roster of 20 MVPs in their continued pursuit of excellence.

“As we look forward with immense anticipation to the journeys ahead for these young athletes, we are confident many of you will go on to represent Nigeria with pride on the global stage, carrying the torch of excellence ignited here.”

Laurels were also presented to participating schools and teams who won at the grand finale aside the individual medals for the outstanding athletes.