Tinubu Kickstarts 7th National Youth Games In Asaba, Encourages Athletes To Foster Unity, Sportsmanship

…As Oborevwori acknowledges Delta’s role in advancing sports in Nigeria

The 7th edition of the National Youth Games, a week-long celebration of young talent and national unity, has been inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday, September 20, 2023.

The games, conducted at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, promise to showcase an energetic display of athletic prowess and fraternity, involving over 5,742 athletes from all 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory, competing in 35 different sports.

The grand inauguration was attended by numerous dignitaries and sports lovers from all across the country.

President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, earnestly urged for unity and sportsmanship among the participating states.

The president highlighted the importance of the National Youth Games in promoting national unity and commitment, and called upon all participants to compete with integrity and national pride.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, seized the opportunity to affirm Delta’s reputation as a significant sports center in Nigeria. Governor Oborevwori praised the National Youth Games for their consistent role in talent discovery and national unity, promising a peaceful and exciting competition, and assuring comprehensive arrangements for smooth transit within the city.

The governor also emphasized the wider role of sports in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, describing the state as a sports mecca due to its successful history of hosting national and international sports events.

Senator John Owan Enoh, in his address, expressed his gratitude to Delta State for hosting the National Youth Games for the first time. He emphasized the Games’ critical role in unearthing young talents and the government’s steadfast commitment to their development.

The Minister presided over a traditional kolanut-breaking ceremony, symbolizing peace and unity, and encouraged states and athletes to deepen their understanding and compete harmoniously.

Hon. Tonobok Okowa, the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission (DSSC) and President of the Athletics Federation Nigeria (AFN), welcomed all participants and journalists to the event and reiterated Delta State’s commitment to hosting the Games for the next four editions.

As the 7th National Youth Games begin, a week of sporting excellence awaits. The event, featuring 35 sports disciplines and thousands of athletes from all over Nigeria, promises to bring the nation together in the spirit of sportsmanship and fraternity, while showcasing the tremendous potential of Nigerian youth.