President Bola Tinubu and the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, have recommended that age limit for the National Youth Games (NYG) should revert to the original upper limit of U-17 against the current U-15.
Declaring the 8th edition of the national sports fiesta open on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, President Tinubu agreed with Governor Oborevwori that the the age limit of the games which is currently under 15 years should return to 17 years and below.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, said NYG was devoted to hunting and nurturing talent.
He added that there was no better way to develop the nation’s sports than to concentrate on grassroots sports development which the youth games represents.
He said the nation must continue to look at the NYG as a nurturing or talent ground for the future of sports.
“My hope is that the different sporting federations representing the sporting federations of our country are here on ground to watch the games related to their different sports and to be able to discover first hand, the talents that need to be nurtured for the future of our sports,” he said.
Tinubu disclosed that his administration was dedicated to repositioning sports for optimum performance in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that, it was imperative to invest more in grassroots sports development.
He lauded the government and the people of Delta State for their sustained commitment and support for grassroots sports development in the country.
Oborevwori during the official commencement of the 2024 NYG, lamented that Nigeria’s performances in recent sporting events was declining.
He said that NYG will provide a platform for talented ‘senior teenagers and young adults’ to quickly migrate from junior category to senior category of Team Nigeria in all sports and games without a break or vacuum.
“It is equally imperative that states give priority attention to school sports programmes. There should be compulsory inter-house sports competitions in primary and secondary schools as well as the consolidation of school sports festivals.”
He assured that the state would continue to provide the space and opportunities for the nation’s youths to showcase their talents and ensure that there is a standard programme for athletes’ progression in the country.
With about 6,000 athletes and over 1,000 officials participating, this year’s edition of the National Youth Games is record-breaking.
While saying the state was renowned for effective sports development in Nigeria, he said Delta state government is proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to ensure that the goals and objectives of this event are realised.
“The National Youth Games is a powerful vehicle for athlete development. It is our joy and pride to host this event for the second year in a row. Delta state, as you know, is synonymous with sports in Nigeria.
“Let me also appreciate the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Local Organising Committee for their steadfastness in organising the National Youth Games,” the Governor said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chairman, Local Organising Committee, LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, recalled that Delta was renowned for sports and thanked the state government for always hosting national and international sports competitions involving the country.
While commending Governor Oborevwori for his financial and moral support to the Delta athletes and coaches, Ogba assured all athletes from across the country of adequate accommodation and transportation throughout the 8th NYG.
