As the 8th National Youth Games, kicked off in Asaba, Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, says that the state was renowned for effective sports development in Nigeria.
Governor,Oborevwori stated this on Thursday, at the official opening of the 2024 National Youth Games at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
He said it was a joy and pride to host the event for the second year in a row, adding that Delta State, was synonymous with sports in Nigeria.
The Governor said the state was happy to continue to provide the facility and opportunities for the nation’s youths to showcase their talents and ensure that there was a standard programme for athletes’ progression in the country.
He appreciated the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Local Organising Committee for their steadfastness in organising the National Youth Games.
Governor OBOREVWORI noted that with about 6,000 athletes and over 1,000 officials participating in this year’s edition of the National Youth Games was record-breaking.
He said he was proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to ensure that the goals and objectives of the event were realized, saying that the National Youth Games was a powerful vehicle for athlete development.
The Governor, who lamented that Nigeria's performances in recent sports events was declining, recommended that age limit for the National Youth Games should be reverted to the original upper limit of U-17, as against the current U-15.
He explained that it was to provide a platform for talented 'senior teenagers and young adults' to quickly migrate from junior category to senior category of Team Nigeria in all sports and games without a break or vacuum.
The Governor also suggested that states give priority attention to school sports programmes and there should be compulsory inter-house sports competitions in primary and secondary schools as well as the consolidation of school sports festival.
Declaring the 8th edition of the sports festival open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the National Youth Games was devoted to talent hunting and talent nurturing, adding that there was no better way to develop the nation’s sports than to concentrate on grassroots sports development which the youth games represents.
The President,represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, said the nation must continue to look at the National Youth Games as a nurturing or talent ground for the future of the Nation sports.
President Tinubu disclosed that his administration was dedicated to repositioning sports for optimum performance in line with its Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that it was imperative to invest more in grassroots sports development.
On the age limit of the games which is currently pegged at 15 years and below, the President said he agreed with the governor that the nation should returns to the initial age classification of making the games to be under 17 years and below.
He lauded the government and the people of Delta State for their sustained commitment and support for grassroots sports development in the country.
Earlier the Chairman Local Organising Committee,Chief Solomon Ogba, said Delta was renowned for sports and thanked the State Government for always hosting national and international sports competitions involving the country.
While commending Governor Oborevwori for his financial and moral support to the Delta athletes and coaches, he assured all athletes from across the country of adequate accommodation and transportation throughout the 8th National Youth Games.
