President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially declared the 9th National Youth Games open at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, as over 6,000 young athletes from across Nigeria vie for medals and national pride in 37 sporting events .
The excitement in Asaba ramps up as the 9th National Youth Games progresses, having opened Friday with a ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium. President Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications and former Sports Minister Mr. Sunday Dare, hailed the event as a vital platform for the discovery and nurturing of sporting talent.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, President Tinubu emphasized that sports remain a powerful unifying and uplifting force for Nigeria. He commended the National Sports Commission under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade as well as the Delta State Government for their contributions to youth and grassroots sports.
The President’s recent support for national teams like the Super Falcons and D’Tigress further underlines his commitment to athletic excellence, he noted.
Speaking on behalf of the host state, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Assembly Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, described the event as a celebration of youth and unity. Delta State, renowned as the Home of Champions, continues its tradition of producing sports luminaries including Stephen Keshi, Jay-Jay Okocha, Blessing Okagbare, and Ese Brume, supported by consistent investment in youth development and world-class facilities. Hosting the Games for the third time in succession, Delta State has dominate the medal table since the Games were founded in 2013.
Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Hon. Bukola Olopade, affirmed that the Games not only enable grassroots talent to shine but also build a pipeline to elite national and international performance. Local Organising Committee Chairman, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, assured all participants of upgraded facilities and efficient logistics, promising not just competition but a memorable experience in Asaba.
Now underway, the Games see over 6,000 athletes, representing nearly every state, competing in 37 sports through the coming days, as the country looks ahead to discovering its future sporting icons and strengthening national unity.
