Ekos Akpokabayen, Secretary, Board of Trustees, Nigerian Union, South Africa, has commended Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta for making the state the leading light in sports in Nigeria.

Akpokabayen told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday that Okowa’s policies and programmes had made the state winners of various national sports events.

“I am aware that previous governors did their best to develop sports in Delta. But, we are blessed to contribute to sports development in the country and Africa.

“For instance, Ese Brume won Nigeria’s only medal at the just-concluded World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. This is a very big plus for Delta because Ese was groomed at home,’’ he said.

Akpokabayen, the Chief Executive Officer of AKP Oil and Lubricants, Johannesburg, South Africa, urged the governor to tap the numerous talents in the state for future national and international sports meets.

According to him, sports can be used to achieve unity, social cohesion and create employment for youths.

“I call on the governor to continue with investments in sports to make sure that we are the leading state in the country”.

“Talents discovered can do the country and Africa proud in international championships,’’ he said.

The secretary said that hosting of the African Senior Athletics Championships and Super Eagles matches at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, had put the state in world sports map.

“I’m sure that with more improvements, the stadium will be the host of major national and international tournaments. But, I appeal to the governor to also lay emphasis on grassroots sports development”.

“The aim is to use primary and secondary school sports to discover talents in the various games and train them to become future stars. I am aware that the state government’s sports policy is tailored in this direction”.

“I appeal to our sports officials to ensure that this policy is effectively implemented. This way, we will not lack talents. This will make Delta produce more Blessing Okagbares, Ese Brumes and Divine Odudurus’’ , Akpokabayen said.