By James Sani
The 9th National Youth Games officially kicked off on Friday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, in Delta State with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring the event open.
The President was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications and former Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare.
In his remarks, President Tinubu described the Games as a “veritable platform for discovering and nurturing talents” that have gone on to represent Nigeria at local, continental, and international levels.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, stressing that sports remain a unifying force for the nation.
“Very recently, we witnessed the President, alongside the First Lady, cheering the Super Falcons and the D’Tigress.
That show of support underscores the administration’s firm commitment to continue investing in sports and strengthening development across the Country,” he said.
The President commended the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade for their efforts in promoting youth and grassroots development.
He also lauded the Delta State Government for hosting the Games, noting that Asaba has gradually become the headquarters of Sports competitions in Nigeria.
Tinubu wished the athletes well, praying that “the best teams, the best states, and the best athletes will shine.”
Speaking on behalf of the host State, Delta Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, described the event as a celebration of Nigeria’s youth, unity, and future.
He said Delta State, regarded as the Home of Champions, has consistently produced sports icons such as Stephen Keshi, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Blessing Okagbare, and Ese Brume.
According to him, the state has continued to back this tradition with heavy investments in modern sporting facilities, youth empowerment, and grassroots competitions.
“Hosting this Games for the third time in a row is a proof of our commitment to grassroots sports. We believe in catching them young, giving our youth the platform to excel and bring glory to Nigeria,” he added.
Chairman of the Main Organising Committee and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the Youth Games as central to building a strong pathway that links grassroots talent to elite performance and podium success.
Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Onoriode Oborevwori, assured participants of an excellent hosting experience.
Also speaking to Newsmen shortly after the opening ceremony, the Director Sports Development of the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Paul Aje said the present administration under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has demonstrated total support to the growth and development of sporting activities in Kogi State and charged the athletes to come out with gold medals at the end of the competition.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Director Sports Council, Mr. James Able Egah thanked Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Monday AridaOjo Anyebe for given attention to sporting activities in Kogi State and assured him of total success at the National Youth Games in Asaba.
