Over 6,000 Athletes Storm Asaba as Tinubu Declares 9th National Youth Games Open ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Andy Emephia

 

The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, capital of Delta State, came alive on Friday, August 29, 2025, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared open the 9th edition of the National Youth Games, with over 6,000 athletes vying for medals in 37 events.

 

Represented by former Minister of Sports and current Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, President Tinubu described the Games as a veritable platform for discovering and nurturing young talents that have gone on to represent Nigeria at global competitions.

 

He noted that sports remain a unifying factor for Nigerians, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to continually support sports development in the country. The President commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade for their sustained efforts in promoting grassroots and youth sports, while also applauding the Delta State Government for hosting the Games back-to-back.

 

Declaring the event open, President Tinubu prayed that the best teams, states, and athletes “will shine” as the competition unfolds.

 

In his remarks, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, described the National Youth Games as a celebration of Nigeria’s youth, unity, and future. He noted that Delta has produced sporting icons such as Stephen Keshi, Jay-Jay Okocha, Ese Brume, and Blessing Okagbare, while sustaining the tradition through massive investments in sports infrastructure, youth empowerment, and grassroots competitions.

 

Governor Oborevwori added that Delta’s hosting of the National Youth Games for the third consecutive time underscores the state’s commitment to grassroots sports by identifying young talents early and nurturing them through well-structured training programmes and exposure.

 

Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the Games as central to building a strong pathway that connects grassroots talent to elite performance and podium success.

 

Similarly, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Delta State Sports Commission (DSSC), assured participants of a seamless hosting experience, citing the level of upgraded facilities and logistics put in place.