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A heavy rainfall in Asaba, Delta state capital Thursday, September 12, 2024 heralded the kick off of the 8th National Youth Games, (NYG), with host Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori calling for a review of the age limit of the National Youth Games from 15 years to 17.

The Governor who acknowledged that Delta State was renowned for effective sports development in Nigeria at the official commencement of the 2024 NYG at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

He said: “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 programme 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 organising 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.

“The 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 realized. The National Youth Games is a powerful vehicle for athlete development.

The Governor, who lamented that Nigeria’s performances in recent sports events was declining, recommended that age limit for the National Youth Games should revert to the original upper limit of U-17, as against the current U-15.

“This is to provide a platform for our 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 said.

Declaring the 8th edition of the sports fiesta open, President Bola Ahmed 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.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, said the nation must continue to look at the National Youth Games as a nurturing or talent ground for the future of our 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.

President 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.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chairman Local Organising Committee, LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, said 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, he assured all athletes from across the country of adequate accommodation and transportation throughout the 8th National Youth Games.