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Curtains Fall On 6th National Youth Games in Ilorin

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2021

…. Sports Minister thanks Kwara state, Unilorin

…Kano state to host 2022 edition

The 6th Edition of National Youth Games, came to an end on Tuesday evening at the University of Ilorin Maracana Stadium, Kwara state, North central, Nigeria.

Team Delta were declared winners after Winning 60 gold, 26 silver and 28 bronze medal and overall giant trophy was presented to the team Delta.

In his closing remarks, Minister of Youth and Sports Chief Sunday Dare commended the Kwara State government and University of Ilorin for a hosting a successful NYG.
According to him, everything that has a beginning must have an end. Just a few days ago, we were declaring the 6th National Youth Games open.

“How time flies when you are involved in a productive venture.
“Today we are about to declare the games closed. It has been an awesome time of competition, bonding, making friends, building intimacy and developing healthy rivalries.

“Bringing the best young talents in Nigeria together and giving the platform to do what they love the most.

“Medals may have been won and lost but the reality is that every young talent represented here is a winner, whether you have a medal around your neck or not.
“This edition of the National Youth Games has been an eye opener to all as the abundance of talents and potentials in our beloved country.

“These outstanding talents and many more that have now been identified will be properly groomed and prepared for the African Youth Games in Ethiopia in 2022 as well as the Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.

“As a Ministry, what we have seen here in the last few days have reinforced our belief that every effort put into grassroots sports development is a worthy investment and not a waste.”

He added that: “Since its first edition was held in 2013, the National Youth Games has grown in leaps and bounds. This year 35 States participated in 34 sports.

“This is a crucial step in the Initiatives that the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has adopted to identify these talents early, give them the technical and financial support, provide them guidance and see them become world beaters in the not too distant future.

“Testimonies abound of many talents who were discovered in previous editions of the National Youth Games who have become world class acts and multiple Olympians for Nigeria.”

He also expressed his displeasure on the level of age cheating that herald the game saying ministry is set to adopt scientific and digital means to correct the the issue next time.

“I also need to condemn and express my disappointment about the ugly problems of age cheating that reared its head at these games.

“We will ensure that we adopt more scientific and digital means of identifying age cheats next time and mete out stiff penalties to the offending athletes and States.

“We will consider the NIMC registration as a requirement going forward. There will be a need for all athletes to have NIMC registration before they can participate henceforth.” He promised.

Meanwhile, Kano state will host the 2022 edition of National Youth Games NGY.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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