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Even before the arrival of the state contingents and the commencement of the 8th National Youth Games, traders in Asaba and environs are excited with the business opportunities the event presents, and are thankful to the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to sustaining the hosting of the games in Asaba.

While arrival for the games is on Monday, September 9, it has been observed that traders in various wares and stuff started setting up, both within and outside the premises of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, from Friday, September 7, and through the weekend, awaiting the arrival of the contingents.

Many of the traders spoken to said they had been anticipating the games, to take advantage of the huge business opportunities it presents for them.

“As you can see, we are already setting up and the stadium environment is already bubbling with various businesses as we await the arrival of the state contingents,” one of the traders who simply identified herself as Ugochi enthused.

“You know, business is about numbers and you can imagine the possible business prospects and turnover with the convergence of over 5,000 athletes and officials for about ten days presents here. This is outside the thousands of spectators who will be flocking in daily for the period of the competition.

“It is a good time for us small businesses because with the atmosphere of the games, in this ten days one can possibly make more than he or she does in four or five months in a corner shop. That is because of the numbers, even if you are selling only pure water.

“The businesses here are diverse, from foods, drinks to clothes, shoes and electronic gadgets, devices and accessories, sundry fashion stuff, household items, artifacts and more.

“Many of the traders here were around during the National Sports Festival and the last Youth Games and they are back again because business was good. We have been praying for the state to host such an event again and we are very grateful to the Governor for his commitment to hosting the Youth Games which has come again with business opportunities.

“It is not only us trading by the side that benefit. It is also a good time for hoteliers, transporters and our other colleagues who are opportune to be listed to provide catering services for the athletes in the hostels.

“The business value chain is long. For instance, those selling food will be going to the bigger markets daily to stock up for the next day. Those in the bigger markets will also be going to the villages to buy more because there are over 10,000 visitors who have to be fed for the ten days of the event, besides the normal residents of Asaba. I imagine that some of us will be getting supplies of food stuff from other local governments outside Delta North even. This is exactly how sports connects with the community to benefit the people. That is why we are grateful to Governor Sheriff.”