Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau says it was a credit to his administration that the state’s athletes won 143 medals in the two years he has been in charge.
Lalong told newsmen on Monday in Jos as part of activities to mark the 2017 Democracy Day that the feat was possible because of his unflinching support for sports.
He said his administration had strived a lot to ensure the participation of the state athletes in many sports activities within the period.
“Plateau won a total of 143 medals, made up of 56 gold, 37 silver and 50 bronze, in the various sports our athletes took part in.
“Plateau athletes have participated in virtually all the sports events within and outside the country,” the governor said.
He said he was also determined to ensure that Plateau United Football Club of Jos play their continental club competition matches at the new Zaria Road Stadium if they qualified.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Plateau United FC are currently leading the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
If they finished within the top three bracket or win the Federation Cup competition, they would represent Nigeria in one of the two available continental club competitions.
Speaking on sports facilities, Lalong assured that he would do everything possible to complete the multi-billion Naira stadium.
“I will do all I can to make sure that they (Plateau United) play their continental matches in the new stadium, instead of the Rwang Pam Stadium were they are currently playing.
“There were complaints that the turf at the new stadium was not FIFA standard but we immediately approached the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports and they certified it fit for international matches.
“But if there are fresh concerns of the state of the turf we will immediately address it,” he said.(NAN)
PAT/OLAL
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