Kogi Government Hosts Athletes for 2025 National Youth Games, Asaba

By James Sani

Kogi State athletes who won two trophies, five silver medals and four bronze medals at the recently concluded National Youth Games have been received by the state government.

Receiving the athletes in Lokoja, the state capital, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, congratulated them for making the state proud.

The Commissioner said the medals were earned through dedication, hard work, resilience and discipline.

Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe appreciated Governor Usman Ododo for his continued commitment to sports development, saying the attention given to sports and the funding of athletes had placed the state high in sporting activities.

Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe also presented letters of commendation to various sports associations, thanking their chairmen and coaches for their support and guidance to the athletes.

The Commissioner expressed profound appreciation and admiration for the victorious athletes who distinguished themselves and brought honour and glory to Kogi State through their exceptional performances in various national competitions.

Hon. Anyebe commended the athletes for their resilience, discipline, determination and exemplary representation of the state, noting that their remarkable achievements reflect the abundance of sporting talent in Kogi State and the positive impact of the government’s sustained investment in sports development.

The Commissioner described the victories and impressive medal haul as a proud moment for Kogi State and a testament to the unwavering support of the sports-friendly Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, whose administration continues to provide the necessary support, encouragement and motivation for sports development across the state.

Speaking on the achievements, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Momoh Aziz Steven, attributed the success of the teams to the visionary and inclusive leadership of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe’s leadership qualities are characterised by humility, kindness, generosity, accessibility and commitment to teamwork.

The Director of Kogi State Sports Council, Mr. James Igah Abel, who commended the athletes for a good outing, said the state cricket players won a trophy, the beach volleyball players won one trophy, the table tennis team won two silver medals and one bronze medal, the boxing team won two silver medals and two bronze medals, while the wrestling team won a silver medal.

In his remarks, the Director of Sports Development of the Ministry, Paul Aje, observed that the success of the athletes was a result of their overwhelming commitment to excellence, which distinguished them in their various competitions.

Reacting on behalf of the coaches, the Cricket Coach, Omolaye Edisha, appreciated Governor Usman Ododo and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, for ensuring that sports thrives in the state.