Delta State Proud to Host 8th National Youth Games, Governor Oborevwori Calls for U-17 Age Reinstatement
ASABA/Nigeria: As the 8th National Youth Games (NYG) kicked off in Asaba, Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sports development, emphasizing its leadership role in Nigerian athletics.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2024 NYG at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Thursday, Governor Oborevwori expressed pride in Delta State’s hosting of the event for the second consecutive year.
“Delta State is synonymous with sports in Nigeria,” Oborevwori said. “We are happy to provide the platform for the nation’s youth to showcase their talents, ensuring a seamless progression for athletes across the country.”
He commended the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Local Organising Committee for their efforts in organizing the games, noting that this year’s event, with about 6,000 athletes and over 1,000 officials participating, is record-breaking.
The governor also addressed the need to revert to the original age limit of under-17 for the National Youth Games, as opposed to the current under-15 category.
“This adjustment will ensure that our talented senior teenagers and young adults can quickly transition from junior to senior levels in Team Nigeria without interruption,” Oborevwori stated. He emphasized the importance of inter-house sports competitions in primary and secondary schools as part of a comprehensive school sports program.
Declaring the 8th edition of the games open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, highlighted the role of the NYG in talent discovery and nurturing. He underscored the importance of grassroots sports development as a foundation for the nation’s sporting future.
“The National Youth Games is a talent hub for the future of Nigerian sports,” President Tinubu said, expressing hope that the sporting federations would take advantage of the event to scout for future talent. He also supported Governor Oborevwori’s call to revert the age limit to under-17, aligning with the nation’s need for a seamless athlete development process.
The President affirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning sports in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the need for increased investment in grassroots sports.
In his welcome remarks, Chief Solomon Ogba, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, praised Delta State’s consistent role in hosting national and international sports events. He thanked Governor Oborevwori for his financial and moral support to Delta athletes and coaches, assuring participants from across the country of adequate accommodation and transportation throughout the games.
