From Abel Leonard, Lafia
President Bola Tinubu on Friday declared open the 9th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, with a rallying call for sports development and unity.
The President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Information and Public Communication, Hon. Sunday Dare, described the Games as a factory of talent that has consistently produced athletes who represent Nigeria at continental and global levels.
“The National Youth Games is very significant. It is one bond that can hold us together as a country,” Tinubu said. “We’re lucky to have a president who not only loves sports but supports our sportsmen and women. Very recently, the President and the First Lady came out to cheer the Super Falcons and the Tigresses, showing that the government will continue to invest in sports development.”
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He added that over 6,000 athletes under the age of 15 would compete over the next two weeks, stressing that the Games would continue to produce young talents in football, athletics, boxing, and other sports who will be nurtured into future champions.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, ably represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said Delta was proud to host the Games for the third time in a row.
He disclosed that the state is already preparing to bid for the 10th edition, even as Lagos State has allegedly been tipped as a possible host.
“This shows our strong commitment to grassroots sports and youth development,” Oborevwori said. “We see sports as a platform for growth, collaboration, and business. Every competition hosted here strengthens our reputation as the sports capital of Nigeria.
“With the infrastructure we have developed, the peace and security in our state, and the hospitality of our people, Asaba is good – and it will be good for all athletes competing here.”
He also urged private investors, corporate sponsors, and development partners to partner with the state in building more academies, facilities, and tournaments to give Nigerian youths greater opportunities.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, announced the introduction of a new policy designed to empower retired and female athletes while also boosting youth development.
He said the Commission’s earlier initiative, the “Invited Junior Athletes” group, had yielded results, with young stars from 28 states winning three gold, two silver, and eight bronze medals at the last National Sports Festival.
“The 9th edition of the Youth Games is crucial for discovering and nurturing the next generation of elite athletes,” Olopade stressed. “The mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to ensure a robust strategy that transforms youth sports into elite performance and podium success.”
Meanwhile, Team Nasarawa opened its medal account with two bronze medals on day one.
In the girls’ −47kg karate event, 15-year-old Magdaline Inji overcame four gruelling fights to secure a bronze medal, defeating Enugu’s Favour Kalu 5–1 in the play-off. She had earlier beaten opponents from Akwa Ibom (1–0) and Ondo (3–0), but lost 1–2 in the semi-final to a Cross River athlete before bouncing back to clinch bronze.
“It feels nice winning, and I want to be a karate champion in the future,” Inji told Daily Sun. “I also thank the Nasarawa State Government, my coaches, and my parents.”
In weightlifting (men’s −50kg), Alexander Otuma added another bronze for Nasarawa, while Atari Danjuma crashed out of the girls’ 44kg category after failing her lift.
Coach Dennis Ejim hailed the opening day performance: “It’s a thing of joy winning the first medal for the state, and I believe my other athletes will bring in more medals.”
The Daily Sun gathered that the 9th National Youth Games will run for two weeks in Asaba with over 6,000 athletes competing across various sports. Delta State, widely regarded as Nigeria’s “sports capital,” has pledged world-class hosting standards as the search for the country’s next generation of champions begins.
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