BY JACOB AJOM
It is 25 days to the 18th National Sports Festival, Eko 2012. So much has been talked about the state’s level of preparedness, yet a visit to some designated venues for certain events leaves much to be desired.

Yesterday was set aside by the Main Organising Committee for the final inspection of facilities but what was found on ground in some venues begged for answers.

This reporter was among the group that inspected Abalti Barrack venue for Langa and Dambe (traditional sports). After inspection, Barrister Emmanuel Egenamba,  Technical Director, Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the pitch, where Langa would be played. He also observed that the ring for Dambe(traditional wrestling) had not been constructed.

“The pitch for Langa could be passed as okay what it needs is just pegging but for Dambe, the ring has to be constructed,” the technical director said, but was quick to add that all that could be achieved in a day or two.

At the Yaba College of Technology, the handball court was described as substandard and relegated to “only good for training” while the Abula court at the University of Lagos sports complex was also categorised as “not satisfactory” by the technical director of the traditional sports body.

He said, “the court needs a facelift and that requires reflooring, painting and marking. A spectators’ stand is also ideal but that could be ignored, in view of the limited time.”

Head of the Main Organising Committee and a director in the National Sports Commission, Aba Yola said there will be a meeting of the technical committee which will harmonise the facility tour reports of all the various groups before coming up with a statement today.

The 18th National Sports Festival begins on November 27th to December 9th.