The 8th Edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) Asaba 2024 was officially launched in a grand ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Delta State, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to nurture young athletic talents. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, declared the games open, urging athletes, officials, and stakeholders in the sports ministry to adhere to strict ethical standards throughout the competition.
In his address, Senator Enoh highlighted the primary objective of the games as a platform for talent discovery and nurturing, emphasizing that these games are not just about medals but also about building the future of Nigerian sports. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to identifying and grooming young athletes who could eventually represent Nigeria on the global stage. “The Youth Games are designed to hunt for talent that will be nurtured for future competitions,” he said, underscoring the need to foster integrity by avoiding age cheating, doping, and other vices that have plagued Nigerian sports in recent years.
A critical point raised by Senator Enoh was the necessity of reverting the games’ age limit to 17 years and below, a move he believes will ensure fair competition and improve the quality of athletes emerging from the games. According to him, the issue of age cheating has contributed significantly to the decline of Nigerian sports’ success on the global stage. He urged officials and athletes to embrace honesty, discipline, and sportsmanship, saying, “We must rediscover the lost glory of our sports by catching young talents early and ensuring they are given the right platform to shine.”
The opening ceremony was a spectacle of vibrant cultural displays, as contingents from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory marched proudly in their traditional attire, celebrating Nigeria’s diversity. Team Delta, the defending champions, led the march past, with many spectators applauding their previous achievements. Over 6,000 athletes and 1,000 officials filled the Stephen Keshi Stadium, reflecting the vast scale of the event.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, who was also in attendance, commended the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for its continued organization of the National Youth Games. He warmly welcomed athletes, officials, and fans to Asaba, assuring them of Delta State’s renowned hospitality. “We are proud to host these games once again, and I urge all participants to enjoy their time in our oil-rich state,” Oborevwori said. He further encouraged Team Delta to maintain their top position, reminding them of the high expectations as the defending champions.
The Governor also stressed the importance of sports at the grassroots level, calling for compulsory inter-house sports programs in primary and secondary schools and better sports development programs at tertiary institutions. He affirmed that such initiatives would be vital in shaping the future of Nigerian sports.
Chief Solomon Ogba, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), also addressed the gathering, expressing his pride in Delta State’s rich sporting history. He assured athletes, officials, and fans of an unforgettable experience, citing the state’s extensive experience in hosting large-scale sporting events. “Delta State is truly the home of sports,” Ogba declared, emphasizing the strong moral and financial support from Governor Oborevwori that made the games possible. He praised the local organizing committee for their efforts in ensuring the games’ success and extended his appreciation to the athletes and officials who traveled from across Nigeria to participate.
The 8th edition of the NYG is set to be a week of thrilling sporting action, as young athletes compete in various sports, including athletics, football, basketball, swimming, and more. The games are expected to serve as a springboard for young athletes, many of whom aspire to represent Nigeria at major international competitions, including the Olympics.
As the event progresses, all eyes will be on the young talents and their performances, with hopes high that this edition of the NYG will help revive Nigeria’s sporting fortunes and secure a bright future for the nation’s athletes. The message from the opening ceremony was clear: integrity, talent, and youth development are at the core of Nigeria’s sporting future.
In 2013, the Federal Government introduced the National Youth Games (NYG) to create an equal opportunity for Nigerian youths to showcase their natural talents and become leaders in their chosen careers. The NYG is a multi-sport event aimed at discovering and nurturing young talent by allowing them to excel across various sports disciplines.
