Godwin Udoh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over decreases given the country’s lengthy history of sporting success and the potential of its large youthful population.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister for Sports and Social Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, at the official opening ceremony of the 8th National Youth Games holding at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, saying athlete development is not just about sports performance, but it is also about developing social and ethical skills.
“As I observed last year, the National Youth Games has 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.
“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.
“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.
“We are happy to continue to provide the space and opportunities for the nation’s youths to showcase their talents and ensure that there is a standard program for athletes’ progression in the country.
“Let me also appreciate the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Local Organising Committee for their steadfastness in organizing the National Youth Games. With about 6,000 athletes and over 1,000 officials participating, this year’s edition of the National Youth Games is record-breaking.
President Tinubu said the NYG was devoted to talent hunting and talent nurturing, adding 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 National Youth Games as a nurturing or talent ground for the future of our sports.
“I hope that the different sporting federations representing the sporting federations of our country are here on the ground to watch the games related to their different sports and to be able to discover firsthand 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 its Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that it was imperative to invest more in grassroots sports development.
On the age limit of the games which is currently pegged at 15 years and below, the President said he agreed with the governor that the nation should return to the initial age classification of making the games to be under 17 years and below.
He lauded the government and the people of Delta State for their sustained commitment and support for grassroots sports development in the country.