………..Described Sports as Catalyst for Peaceful and National Unity.
The President and Commander in Chief, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared open the 8th edition of the National Youth Games at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the Delta State Capital.
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh who represented the President stated that the coming together of this large sports family creates long standing relationships that will continue to remind the nation of our connection with one another and will promote peaceful co-existence and national unity.
Enoh disclosed that since inception of the game in 2013, it is heart warming to note that each year the game has continued to attain new heights in terms of standards, number of athletes, officials, sports and states participation.
The Minister revealed that the 2024 National Youth Games will feature a total of 4,548 athletes from 36 States of the Federation and the FCT and competing in a total of 36 sports, noting that all these improvements are geared towards talent hunting and to nurture the talents that will eventually represent the nation in the international games like the just concluded Olympics and paralympic games.
Enoh reiterated that grassroot games are a beacon of hope to the nation’s sports development and urges state governors and stakeholders to join hands with the Ministry in bringing up young athletes for future use.
The Minister on behalf of the President applauded the Governor and the people of Delta State for their resilience and determination towards the hosting of the game from 2023 till date. He also thanked the state Governors and the FCT Minister for their sponsorship and support and pledges the Ministry’s unflinching commitment and dedication towards sports development in the country.
Enoh called on all participating States to embody the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, while urging spectators and fans to support the young athletes as they represent their states in various sporting disciplines.
Delivering his message, the Governor of Delta State, RT (Hon) Elder Sheriff Oborevwori said sports has become a culture in the State and that nothing would be spared to keep that going for the next 5 years which they started in 2023.
He described the National Youth Games as a vehicle to discover new talents in the country.
The Governor expressed his appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Sports for sustaining the National Youth Games in the last seven years, stressing that apart from participation, it has also helped to promote national unity and advanced human development across the country.
He assured all participants from the 36 states and FCT of a hitch free game in fairness and equity.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman Local Organising Committee of the Games, Evang. Solomon Ogba noted that adequate preparation has been done for the successful hosting of the game.
He assured all the participants of the best of hospitality in Asaba and urges all to stay safe.
kehinde Ajayi (Mrs)
Director (Information and PR)
