NYG: Games Project Manager explains how they met accommodation needs of athletes, commends Gov Oborevwori for his support

Photo: One of the hostels being used at the Youth Games in Asaba

By Maxwell Kumoye and Fred Edoreh

The project officer for hostel accommodation at the ongoing 7th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, Dr. Ademola Are, has shed more light on how they were able to meet the accommodation of athIetes and officials at the games.
Dr Are, gave the plans and action of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) in the area of accommodation on Monday at the Saint Patrick College venue of the rugby event of the games. He said shift in date of the competition by the Sports Ministry affected the accommodation arrangement already finalized by the Committee.
“During preparations we were able to earmark Osadebe University, Infant Jesus Academy and Technical College which are notable schools with a good environment, good facilities and beds that are expected to take care of over 5000 athletes and officials.” Dr. Are explained.
Are who is also the President of Nigeria Rugby Federation further said; “However, due to the postponement of the Games most of these institutions had to call back their students and as at the time the Games was going to take place they are already into their exams and we cannot drive them back home without finishing their exams. Because of this, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, gave approval that we should just go ahead and make use of all the public schools available. “Some of them have the double bunk beds while some do not have . So, we needed to make do with what we have pending when the accommodation initially penciled down can be made available”
The Games accommodation Project Manager said he had to work with the host State Government which helped in securing quality alternative.
“It’s imperative to state that some states came in with more delegates than the number sent to the LOC and we have to factor it in, in the new arrangement.
“We did all this and ensured that those that came in first were given priority in getting accommodation.
“Osadebe University was expected to take care of 2,500 athletes and officials, Infant Jesus School was expected to take care of 1,500, and Technical College almost 2000. This might not be adequate because of the shortages we envisaged due to the presence of the students in the schools.
“We needed to look for alternatives, and these alternatives were not boarding schools, so we have to make arrangements, put in mobile toilets, and provide makeshift bathrooms to ensure that the children are adequately accommodated. As of today that I am talking to you, this has been done.
Dr. Are stated that the pictures that have been circulated were the ones taken at the earlier stage when the Committee were having the teething problem to ensure everybody was accommodated.
He went further to stress that; “there are no sports without the media but I would want our media men to crosscheck their facts before going to the press because as of today there is no such situation in any of our hostels’ he concluded.”
The Local Organising Committee had earlier alerted of possible squeeze on accommodation due to the postponement of the games into a period when schools have resumed and earlier arrangements to secure hostel facilities were consequently declined by various schools.
The LOC duly communicated the Federal Ministry of Sports, the MOC and the Committee of Directors of Sports and they gave the clearance for improvisations to be made with halls and mattresses to make up for the expected shortfall.
The facility in question does not represent near a-tenth of facilities in place.
Some athIetes and officials who spoke to our correspondent expressed happiness with the accommodation offered them.
Director of Sports Plateau State, Professor Ezra Gunen said, his contingent is enjoying their stay at the Games.
“We only ask for a change in one of our meal to accommodate the carbohydrate needs of athIetes coming from high altitude zones which was graciously offered.”
In similar vain, 15 year old Judoka, Bethel Onyemaechi, says the accommodation is like home away from home.