By PETER AMINE

Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Musa Ashoms, has said that the state will bid to host the 2028 edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF).

Ashoms stated this in Abeokuta while interacting with newsmen at the end of the NSF in Ogun tagged “Gateway Games 2024.?

The commissioner said Plateau was desirous of reaping the numerous benefits of hosting the festival.

He added that the state wanted to bid for the 2026 edition of the festival but was made to understand that it was for the South East, and Enugu eventually won the hosting right of the 23rd NSF.

Ashoms, therefore, said it was the turn of North Central to host the sports fiesta in 2028 with Plateau as one of the contenders.

He added that “I learnt Abuja bidding; Benue is in the race, so we’re bidding as well.

“We are seriously considering it because we want to bring such activities we have witnessed in Ogun to Plateau.

“Look at the numerous sporting activities happening left, right, and centre. You can also see the micro-businesses that have sprung up – over 3,000 businesses, some opening for the first time due to increased patronage. There’s tourism, aesthetics, economics and of course, the sport itself.

“We want to replicate that here in Jos. Our land is green and fertile for such development.”

The commissioner said that the Rwang Pam Stadium, which was undergoing renovation,

would be ready before then.

He noted that the state government also has plans for the Zaria Road Stadium, as it needs to be fully upgraded.

According to him, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang is working on reclaiming and giving it a facelift—not just for games but for all the infrastructure around sporting events.

“Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, who marked two years in office, has already done so much in sports. For instance, Plateau United rose from relegation to finish seventh. That’s no small feat.

“At this festival, we’ve won about 42 medals. We’re doing well. We thank God, and we thank our people for trusting us with leadership.” (NAN)