Nigeria’s Devt Can’t Be Complete Without Sports – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria’s development would be incomplete without sports which he said is a platform for discovering talents and a symbol to promote peace and unity.

The president stated this while delivering his welcome address at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, venue for the second edition of the Niger Delta games.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, John Owa Eno, said there is no sustainable development without peace, unity and sports provides that platform to attain it.

He noted that the Niger Delta games provide opportunities to celebrate the nation’s cultural diversity and a medium to celebrate the youths.

He added that the regional event provides an opportunity for discovering young talents that will represent Nigeria in international sporting activities.

“Niger Delta Region is a region of extraordinary cultural diversity united through sports as it remains one of the strongest and powerful instruments of peace and unity.

“Tribe, religion, social status and our cultural diversities do not matter, but discipline and teamwork through sporting activities is all that matters in building a strong nation.

“Niger Delta youths are strong, energetic, and ready to compete as the game is all about discovering young talents as amateur and grooming them to become national champion paving the way to compete internationally bringing Laurel to the nation”.

Declaring the game open, Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo said the

games represent more than competition, “they symbolise possibilities,” noting that the games are a powerful statement that the Niger Delta is not only defined by its resources, but also by its resilience, talent and boundless human potential.

The governor said through sports discipline is taught, character built, culture, languages and boundaries disappear as the tournament brings teamwork.

“To our athletes: you are the pride of the Niger Delta. You carry the dreams of millions of young people who look to you for inspiration. I urge you to compete with passion and integrity. Let your performance reflect the strength, courage, and determination of our people,” he added.

Okpebholo disclosed that when approached by the NDDC to host the second edition of the game, he embraced the offer and promised that this edition will be the best outing and will remain the best experience for the youths of the Niger Delta.

“The idea of this sports fiesta is to galvanise the energies of our youth population and re-channell it to positive endeavours. This tournament is in line with our SHINE AGENDA whose cardinal objective is sustainable youth development.

“It is our administration’s policy to deliberately balance our developmental drive with meaningful engagement of our youth population. We believe that no meaningful development can be achieved if the youths, who constitute the majority of the population, are ignored.

“Edo State is proud to provide a safe, hospitable, and conducive environment for these Games. May these games forge new friendships, inspire new dreams, and showcase to the nation and the world the true spirit of the Niger Delta.”