NYG 2023: Tinubu Challenges Young Talents To Compete Fairly In Spirit Of Unity News

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NYG 2023: Tinubu Challenges Young Talents To Compete Fairly In Spirit Of Unity

By Goodness Ndukuba on September 25, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has on Saturday declared open the 7th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), holding in Asaba, Delta state.

The President, represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh said that the Games should promote the spirit of friendship amongst all states.

He urged the state officials and athletes to compete with the spirit of fairness and togetherness, while putting the interests of the nation first.

Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state, the NYG has come to stay as vehicle to discover new talents from the grassroots and ensure that there is a standard programme for athletes’ succession in the country.

He recalled that the NYG has also proven to be a cost -effective and reliable tool to promote national unity and advance development and peace agendas of both the national and sub-national governments.

“When effectively harnessed, sports has the power to positively impact on the economic and social wellbeing of any society," he said.

Sports, Oborevwori noted, plays a great role in the realization of development and peace.

"It also promote tolerance, respect as well as makes contributions for the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives.”

“Our belief in these ideals is unshakable. Hence, the government of Delta state has continued to make its resources available to host national and international sporting competitions.

"In 2018, the state hosted the African Senior Athletics Championship, and, in November 2022, the 21st National Sports Festival," he added.

Oborevwori reiterated that the Stephen Keshi Stadium has become a venue of choice for hosting national football championships, as Delta is becoming the mecca of sports in Nigeria.

He assured the participants of a peaceful and exciting games as security personnel, protocol officers, traffic management teams, and volunteers are on ground to ensure a peaceful, safe, and secure environment for athletic competition.

The governor also assured that adequate arrangements for hitch-free movement across the state, adding that there has not been a single report of security breach in previous competitions hosted by the state.

"By God’s grace, this year’s event will not be an exception.

“To all our athletes, the moment of truth has arrived. Your family, friends, and well-wishers are rooting for you to seize the moment and launch yourself into national prominence.

"As the saying goes, records are meant to be broken. So, I challenge you to set new records and take Nigerian sports to another level, now, let the games begin," Oborevwori said.

Earlier, the Delta State Sports Commission Chairman, Tonobok Okowa welcomed the participants and urged Team Delta to win for the state and give him a parting gift as this would be his last Youth Games as the Commission’s boss.

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted September 25, 2023