Plateau State Government on Thursday officially flagged off the MTN Champs Season 4 at the New Jos Stadium, reaffirming its resolve to position the state as Nigeria’s premier hub for athletics development.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Plateau State, Hon. Musa Ashoms, represented by the Director of Sports, Professor Ezra Gunen, said Jos possesses unique environmental advantages capable of producing world-class athletes.
Addressing dignitaries and MTN officials, Gunen described the return of the championship to Jos as a strategic boost to grassroots sports development.
“Jos is located at a moderate altitude, which provides ideal environmental conditions for athletic training when properly harnessed,” he said. “This advantage is critical for athletes who will represent Nigeria in international competitions.”
He further disclosed that the National Sports Commission has secured land on one of Plateau’s highest peaks, where both sprinters and long-distance runners undergo specialised training.
According to him, hosting MTN Champs aligns with the state government’s Youth and Sports Development Programme, adding that the initiative would significantly enhance talent discovery and nurture future champions.
“We appreciate MTN and the organisers for sustaining this initiative. Plateau State remains open and committed to partnerships that promote youth development through sports”.
Also speaking, the representative of the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Kachollom Gang, Mr. Sabastine John, described the championship as a vital platform for showcasing emerging talents across the country.
He revealed that MTN Champs has engaged over 20,000 athletes and more than 1,000 schools nationwide, underscoring the programme’s impact on grassroots sports.
“MTN has demonstrated strong commitment through investment in talent identification, athlete support systems, infrastructure, and partnerships,” he said. “This aligns with the Plateau State Government’s vision of building a robust sports ecosystem.”
John noted that beyond competition, the event offers participants an opportunity to experience the hospitality and cultural richness of Plateau State.
“Our environment is peaceful and welcoming. Participants will not only compete but also enjoy the unique culture and cuisine that make Jos a destination of choice,” he added.
In her welcome remarks, MTN’s Customer Operations representative, Mrs Ugonwa Nwoye, expressed delight over the successful expansion of the championship since its inception.
“MTN Champs was established to discover, develop and celebrate the next generation of Nigerian athletes. In just three seasons, the programme has surpassed expectations,” she said.
Nwoye disclosed that over 22,000 young athletes have participated nationwide, with more than 1,300 schools involved and 30 exceptional athletes already advancing to the MTN Champs Academy for elite training
.
“Jos remains a special city with a proud history of producing outstanding athletes.
It is always an honour to return to a place where passion for sports is deeply rooted,” she said.
She commended athletes, coaches, and families for their dedication, assuring that MTN remains committed to building a sustainable pipeline of talents capable of representing Nigeria on the global stage.
The three-day competition, which runs from March 26 to 28, will feature over 1,300 athletes from 148 schools, signalling a major boost for athletics in the northern region.
