The National Youth Games will kick off in Delta, Asaba precisely on Monday with over 7000 youths expected to converge here. Incidentally, this is the last of the three years hosting right signed by Delta State. It had won the two previous editions here and the possibility of retaining the crown is bright albeit to say that Delta should expect a strong and stiff opposition from Lagos and Bayelsa. Of late, Bayelsa have come up with plans to dethrone Delta which have not been successful. This edition therefore is another opportunity for them to lay claim to the trophy to prepare for the 2028 National Sports Festival to be hosted by them.
A critical look at Sports generally would reveal a disturbing trend where our athletes especially the elites seems to have been involved in one thing or the other which leads to either ban or facing the wrath of the law. It is disturbing that those of them who have found their way out of the country are having issues either due to drug ban or running foul of the law.
I spoke with a Coach who would not want to be quoted on this issue and the revelations were quite disturbing. This is a story for another day.
As the youths gather on Monday in Asaba which will undoubtedly lead to the discovery of raw talents, it is essential for the National Sports Commission to take a critical look at these tournaments with a bid to come up with a proper framework that will usher in a structured approach or system that guides the development and management of Sports at various levels.
The framework should be from the grassroots participation to the elite’s competition. It can encompass different aspects like participation, governance and even major events.
The type of framework I am referring to is the one that promotes inclusion, ensuring good governance or maximizing the benefits of major sporting events. If I may ask, of what use for these games to produce an athlete that will end up embarrassing the Nation with all sorts of atrocities. The news is everywhere that the inability of Nigeria to qualify for the relay of the next World Athletics Championships was because some of those who made it possible the last time are either behind the bar or facing ban.
Thus, we need the type of structure that offers organized programs for different skill levels and aspirations. The one that ensure that everyone regardless of the background or ability has the opportunity to participate.
A good sporting framework will provide a roadmap for developing a thriving and sustainable sporting ecosystem. The one that will ensure effective and ethical management of sports organizations.
In other words, we should ensure that sports is enjoyed by all, managed effectively and contribute effectively.
The National Sports Commission must therefore come up with a detailed handbook on sporting framework that will guide and nurture our talents to the next level.
WELCOME, OUR YOUTHS TO DELTA
The 9th National Youth Games begins on Monday, 26th, August to 6th September, 2025 in Asaba, Delta State with the sole aim of bringing together the best, young talents from across the country to compete for glory and national recognition.
The youths are the bedrock, the future of the Country and like what the Bible says” Bring up a child in the right way and when he grows, he will not depart from it”.
While the events goes on, the youth must be taught not to embrace cheating either by taking performance enhancing drugs or play smart in other ways. The Coaches too must be told point blank that they should encourage fair play and anything short of this is unacceptable.
The National Youth Games is an annual event aimed at growing the youths to become skilled sportsmen and women
We have been told that our Governor, Rt Hon Elder Sheriff Oborevwori wants a perfect organization of this edition because he believes that Nigerian Youths deserves the best. Therefore, all those involve must be carried along and not operate as a secret society.
The theme of this year NYG is” We are the future” in what promises to be a collaboration of youthful talent, unity and the unyielding Nigerian spirit.
The games village will open its doors to contingents from Monday with physical screening and technical clearance set for August 28th. We will like to admonish those to conduct the screening to be fair to all and any athlete disqualified should not be allowed to come back through the backdoor or in any form.
In the last Youth Games, especially football, those disqualified found their way back and new ones were even brought to participate. The Media must not compromise but expose anybody found to be indulging in this act. They must save guard the future of this game by working according to the rules. Age cheat must be discouraged and all those found sanctioned.
Thus, we expect over a week of electrifying competition across multiple disciplines, showcasing Nigeria’s rising sports stars.
To Deltans, we must show our visitors the true definition of hospitality as exemplified by our Governor who has done much in the area of sports. Our Law enforcement agents must be on ground to nip any unforeseen situation in the bud. Welcome to Delta State, our youths.
