A clear show of poor organisation and display are currently being witnessed at the opening ceremony of 19th National Sports Festival, taking place inside Abuja National Stadium.
The opening show is at the moment beehive of many social activities, but turn out of Spectators, Athletes and Officials is grossly low, Blueprint can confirm.
Earlier, no fewer than 23 states presented their contingents for match past.
But the 60, 000 capacity stadium was virtually empty as residents of the Federal Capacity Territory stayed off the opening ceremony.
Aside few students and the participating sportsmen and women who witnessed the ceremony, the glitters usually associated with pervious festivals were all lacking.
The indifference of the residents may not be unconnected to the lack of publicity for the festival as well as the hard economic hardship in the country.
No fewer than 23 States participated in the opening ceremony with Adamawa State having only a person as its representative during the match past.
However, the speech by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Adesola Olusola put the number of states present to be 36.
Delta, Edo and Lagos States had the largest numbers of contingent during the exercise.
The FCT minister, Mohammed Bello, in his welcome address, said he will ensure security of the participants was given top priority.
Bello said the FCT will do everything to ensure a hitch free competition.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki said that the State may bid for the hosting of the next festival.
Obaseki who spoke on the side line, said he has made the intention known to the Sports minister.
The Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha who represented President Muhammadu Buhari declared the festival open.
