President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared open the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, urging Nigerians to see sports as a tool for national unity and development.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Information and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President described the Games as a factory of talent that has consistently produced athletes who go on to represent Nigeria at continental and global levels.
“The National Youth Games is very significant. It is one bond that can hold us together as a country,” Tinubu said.
He added that over 6,000 athletes under the age of 15 would compete across different sports over the next two weeks.
“We are lucky to have a President who not only loves sports but supports our sportsmen and women. Very recently, the President and the First Lady came out to cheer the Super Falcons and the Tigresses, showing that the government will continue to invest in sports development,” Dare noted.
Delta Proud to Host NYG for Third Time
Naija News reports that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said Delta was honoured to host the Games for the third time running.
He revealed that the state was already preparing to bid for the 10th edition, even as Lagos had been tipped as a potential host.
“This shows our strong commitment to grassroots sports and youth development. We see sports as a platform for growth, collaboration, and business. Every competition hosted here strengthens our reputation as the sports capital of Nigeria,” the governor said.
Oborevwori also urged private investors, corporate sponsors, and development partners to join in building more academies, facilities, and tournaments to expand opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, announced the introduction of a fresh policy targeted at empowering retired and female athletes, while boosting grassroots youth development.
He cited the success of the Commission’s earlier initiative, the Invited Junior Athletes group, which produced medal-winning performances at the last National Sports Festival.
“The 9th edition of the Youth Games is crucial for discovering and nurturing the next generation of elite athletes. The mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to ensure a robust strategy that transforms youth sports into elite performance and podium success,” Olopade said.
Athletes and fans at National Youth Game in Asaba
Team Nasarawa Opens Medal Account
On the first day of competition, Team Nasarawa picked up two bronze medals.
In the girls’ 47kg karate event, 15-year-old Magdaline Inji fought through four tough bouts to win bronze, defeating Enugu’s Favour Kalu 5-1 in the play-off.
“It feels nice winning, and I want to be a karate champion in the future. I also thank the Nasarawa State Government, my coaches, and my parents,” Inji said after her victory.
In men’s 50kg weightlifting, Alexander Otuma added another bronze for the state, while Atari Danjuma fell short in the girls’ 44kg category.
Coach Dennis Ejim praised his team’s start: “It’s a thing of joy winning the first medal for the state, and I believe my other athletes will bring in more medals.”
Games to Run for Two Weeks
Naija News reports that the 9th National Youth Games will run for two weeks in Asaba, with athletes from across the federation competing in football, athletics, boxing, weightlifting, and other sports.
Delta, widely regarded as Nigeria’s sports capital, has pledged to maintain world-class hosting standards as the search for the country’s next generation of champions begins.
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