ASABA/Nigeria: Dr. Ademola Are, the project officer responsible for hostel accommodation at the ongoing 7th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, has provided clarification regarding the contentious issue surrounding the state of hostel accommodation at the games. Speaking to the media at the St. Patrick College venue of the rugby event, Dr. Are attributed the accommodation challenges to the unexpected shift in the competition dates, which disrupted the previously finalized arrangements.
“During preparations, we had secured accommodations at Osadebe University, Infant Jesus Academy, and Technical College, all renowned schools known for their excellent environments, facilities, and bunk bed accommodations designed to house over 5000 athletes and officials,” Dr. Are explained.
“However, due to the postponement of the Games, most of these institutions had to recall their students. At the time the Games were rescheduled, these students were already immersed in their exams. We couldn’t ethically send them back home without completing their exams. Consequently, the governor approved our decision to utilize all available public schools. While some of these schools had double bunks, others did not. We had to make do with what was available until the initially planned accommodations became accessible.”
Dr. Are continued, “We ensured that those who arrived first received priority in securing accommodations. Osadebe University was intended to host 2500 athletes and officials, Infant Jesus was allocated space for 1500, and Technical College nearly 2000. Although this might not have been sufficient due to the unexpected presence of students, we explored alternatives. These alternative accommodations were not boarding schools, so we had to arrange mobile toilets and makeshift bathrooms to ensure the athletes were adequately cared for. As of today, these measures have been implemented.”
He added, “The circulated pictures were taken during the earlier stages when we were still working tirelessly to accommodate everyone.”
Addressing concerns about the accuracy of media reports, Dr. Are emphasized the importance of fact-checking, saying, “There are no sports without the media, but I would like our media colleagues to verify information before going public. As of today, there is no such situation in any of our hostels,” he concluded.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) had previously warned of potential accommodation constraints resulting from the game’s postponement, coinciding with the resumption of schools and the subsequent refusal of earlier accommodation arrangements by various institutions. The LOC had informed the Federal Ministry of Sports, the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), and the Committee of Directors of Sports, all of whom approved improvisations, including the use of halls and mattresses, to compensate for the anticipated shortfall.
It should be noted that the facility in question represents only a fraction of the available accommodations, with numerous well-equipped hostels in use throughout the games.
