The project officer for hostel accommodation at the ongoing 7th National Youth Games, NYG in Asaba, Delta State, Dr. Ademola Are has cleared the air on the controversy surrounding the state of hostel accommodation at the games.

Dr Are while speaking to the media at the St. Patrick College venue of the rugby event of the games, said the shift in date of the competition affected the accommodation arrangement already finalized by the committee.

“During preparations, we were able to earmark Osadebe University, Infant Jesus, and Academy Technical College which are notable schools with a good environment, good facilities, and bunk beds that are expected to take care of over 5000 athletes and officials.

“However, due to the postponement of the Games most of these institutions had to call back their students, and as at the time the Games was going to take place they are already into their exams and we cannot drive them back home without finishing their exams. Because of this, the governor gave approval that we should just go ahead and make use of all the public schools available. Some of them have double bunks, some do not. So, we needed to make do with what we have pending when the accommodation initially penciled down can be available”

“We did all this and ensured that those that came in first were given priority, getting their necessary accommodation. Osadebe University was expected to take care of 2,500 Athletes and officials, Infant Jesus was expected to take care of 1500, and Technical College almost 200. This might not be adequate because of the shortages we envisaged due to the presence of the students in the schools.

“We need to look for alternatives, and these alternatives were not boarding schools, so we have to make arrangements, put in mobile toilets, and provide makeshift bathrooms to ensure that the children are adequately accommodated. As of today that I am talking to you, this has been done.

“The pictures that have been circulated were the ones taken at the earlier stage when we were still struggling to ensure that we house everybody,”

He went further by saying “there are no sports without the media but I would want our Media guys to fact-check before going to the press because as of today there is no such situation in any of our hostels’ he concluded.”

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