Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Friday officially declared open the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to sports as a catalyst for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication,  Chief Sunday Dare, the President emphasized that sports remain a vital force in building cohesion among Nigeria’s diverse peoples while offering young talents a pathway to international excellence.

“From these young athletes, future national and international stars will emerge. Our government remains committed to nurturing them with the right structures, facilities, and policies to ensure they grow into world-class ambassadors for Nigeria. Sports is not just recreation; it is a unifying force and a driver of national pride,” President Tinubu said.

He further pledged to strengthen grassroots sports programmes across the country, assuring that his government would continue to provide support through the National Sports Commission and other agencies.

“This administration will not relent in its quest to invest in our youth. With discipline, hard work, and the right environment, you our young athletes will carry the green-white-green to podiums around the world,” the President added.

Welcoming participants, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, praised the Games for uniting the nation through healthy competition. He assured athletes, coaches, and officials of Delta’s readiness to host a befitting championship, urging them to uphold fairness and integrity in all events.

“The National Youth Games have over the years produced stars who now represent Nigeria internationally. We are proud to host once again, and Delta is prepared to give athletes a safe, competitive, and memorable experience,” Governor Oborevwori said.

In his remarks, the Director-General,   National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, underscored the significance of the Games in shaping the nation’s sporting future. According to him, the Youth Games remain the foundation for discovering podium athletes who later dominate at continental and global competitions.

“This is where the journey of greatness begins. Compete with heart, uphold fair play, and remember that you carry the hope of your states and the pride of the nation,” Olopade charged.

He added that the Commission under his leadership would intensify efforts to harness talents discovered at the Games through structured training programmes and international exposure.

“Our mission is to ensure that no raw talent is left behind. With sustained investment in youth sports, Nigeria will reclaim its pride of place in global competitions,” he declared.

Earlier in his address,  the Chairman,  Local Organising Committee, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, assured participants not just a sporting event but a memorable experience.

He urged athletes to compete with discipline, determination and showcase the spirit of sportsmanship.

The ceremony also featured the traditional oath-taking, with Obiagu Faith leading athletes in pledging allegiance to the rules of the Games, while Comrade Obioha George, Director of Sports, Abia State, swore on behalf of coaches and officials.

The Games, featuring 37 sporting events, have drawn contingents from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Host state Delta, defending champion of all eight editions since inception, now chases a ninth title as Asaba sets the stage for ten days of thrilling competition, talent discovery, and celebration of Nigeria’s unity through sports.”

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