The Delta State Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in respect with the National Youth Games (NYG) covering the period, 2023 to 2026.
During the ceremony at the Government House, Asaba, the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare signed for the Federal Government, while Governor Ifeanyi Okowa signed on behalf of the state government.
Mr. Dare said awarding the hosting rights to Delta State for the next four years is one of the enduring legacies of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, stating that “signing the document by both parties is a critical step that would signpost the commencement of activities for the successful organization of the first in the series of the Games in September, 2023.”
“I am happy that in the next four years, our young talents will find succour in Delta State with the signing of this MoU and I have the belief that our sports will be great through this,” he added.
In his response, Okowa thanked the minister for his contribution to sports development in the country, saying that Delta remains glad and is proud of him.
“You did not sit back in Abuja as sports minister, but you went out relating with the states, because the nation is made up of the states and without the states, there is no nation.
“Delta State has been a leading champion in almost all the sporting competitions, we need States to challenge us, let them get prepared early enough to compete at least for the second position because Delta will ever maintain its lead.
“I also want to thank you for the partnership you have with Delta. You realized from the beginning that we played pivotal role.”
Okowa commended the Federal Government for giving Delta State the hosting rights of the Youth Games for the next four years.
He assured that the state government would continue to partner with the ministry of sports development to discover and grow more talents across the country.
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