OTUKPO (BENUE) – Senate President David Mark on Saturday announced plans to build an ultra-modern indoor sports hall in Otukpo, Benue, as part of his efforts to boost the development of sporting activities in the area.
Mark said this at the opening of this year’s Mark D’ Ball Basketball competition in Utukpo, Benue.
He said, when completed, the indoor sports hall would serve as a training ground for athletes that could represent the country at international competitions.
Cue in audio 1 (Mark)
“The last time I was here for this same tournament, I promised and assured you that we are going to build an indoor basketball hall.
“We haven’t built the indoor basketball hall but you can see that the floor has changed; it’s certainly not the old cement floor that we used to play on.
“We have acquired land to build the indoor basketball hall. It is a bit out of town, so our consideration has been whether we should look for a place more central or go outside the town.
“But as soon as that decision is taken, we will build the indoor basketball hall which you will all appreciate and enjoy.’’
Cue out audio 1 (Mark)
The senate president said that the decision to keep the youths of the town busy every Christmas with sporting activities was to keep them away from crime.
Cue in audio 2 (Mark)
“Every time I pass through here this time of the year and I see the number of young boys and young girls who come here, I am encouraged.
“I am encouraged because it is an opportunity for our boys and our girls to do something more useful rather than commit crime.
“I am so happy that this is now beginning to yield result.’’
Cue out audio 2 (Mark)
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the opening of the 2014 Mark D’ Ball basketball competition, sponsored by the senate president, has attracted politicians of various calibre.
Those in attendance included the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, the PDP Governorship Candidate in the state, Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, as well as the new Controller General of the Federal Fire Service Mr Joseph Anebi.
Top Nigerian musicians, including Tuface Idibia, Oritse Femi, ICE Prince as well as comedians like Basket Mouth and Fred Bright were also in attendance.
Popular Nollywood Actor, Victor Osuagwu, thrilled the audience with his jokes and comedy. (NAN)
Mark mulls ultra-modern indoor sports hall in Otukpo
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