Daily Trust - the online edition

Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Technical Director, Sunday Bada and Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin have commended the decision to stage the NSC/AFN Invitational Relay, saying it would ginger interest in youths and raise stars in the event for Nigeria.

Both men spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the maiden edition of the NSC/AFN Invitational Relay held at the main bowl of the Abuja National Stadium.

According to Bada, the decision to take the event round the country was to promote interest in youths and help the commission and federation to discover athletes that would replace ageing ones.

"This event is specifically design to create interest and discover young Nigerians who will be trained to become future stars. Taking it round the country will help us reach out to those that could not be discovered if it were in Lagos or Abuja", Bada said.

On his part, the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ade Abolurin thanked organizers for providing a platform for young Nigerian athletes to showcase their talents.

"These kind of events are good for the country because the athletes have learnt from the mistakes of the past and we expect some improvements in the next stages of the championship", Abolurin stated.