President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday, September 23, 2023 launched the 7th edition of the National Youth Games, signifying the commencement of a week-long celebration of youthful talent and national unity.
The event which is holding at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, is poised to be an exuberant display of athleticism and camaraderie, featuring over 5,742 athletes from all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, vying for glory across 35 diverse sports disciplines.
President Tinubu, represented by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, made an impassioned plea for unity and sportsmanship among the participating states.
“Let these Games stand as a testament to our commitment to fostering friendship and unity among our great states”. President Tinubu declared, underscoring the pivotal role of the National Youth Games in nurturing a sense of togetherness and unwavering dedication to the nation’s interests.
He urged all participants, including officials and athletes, to compete with fairness and a spirit of national pride.
On his part, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori used the occasion to reaffirm the state’s status as a sports destination in Nigeria.
Commending the National Youth Games for their consistent contribution to talent discovery and national unity, Governor Oborevwori pledged a peaceful and thrilling competition. He assured attendees of comprehensive arrangements to ensure seamless movement within the city.
He charged the athletes to commit to hard work, perseverance, focus and dedication adding that the moment of truth has arrived.
Oborevwori remarked that the National Youth Games had come to stay describing it “as a powerful vehicle to discover new talents from the grassroots and ensure that there is a standard programme for athletes’ succession in the country.”
He stated further that “Aside from athlete development, the National Youth Games has also proven to be a cost-effective and reliable tool to promote national unity and advance development and peace agendas of both the national and sub-national governments.
“Your family, friends and well-wishers are rooting for you to seize the moment and launch yourself into national prominence. I wish you the best of luck’, the Governor said.
Oborevwori congratulated the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their consistency and dedication in organizing the National Youth Games.
He also underscored the broader significance of sports in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing how sports can foster tolerance, respect, and social inclusion, ultimately contributing to the economic and social well-being of society.
The Governor concluded by tagging the state as a sports mecca, because of its impressive track record of hosting national and international sporting events.
In his own address, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, expressed his gratitude to Delta State for hosting the National Youth Games for the first time. He stressed the Games’ vital role in discovering young talents and the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing them. He highlighted the Games’ role in fostering national unity by bringing young athletes from diverse regions together.
In a symbolic gesture of peace, friendship, and positive ideals, Senator Enoh presided over a traditional kolanut-breaking ceremony. He called on athletes and states to work together, compete in harmony, and deepen their understanding of one another. The Minister also highlighted the potential benefits of the National Youth Games for both Delta State and the nation.
