*Oborevwori Urges NSC To Curb Age Cheating As NYG Ends In Asaba
*Reaffirms Delta’s Readiness For 10th Edition
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
TEAM Lagos, for the first time, has emerged champions of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) that ended on Saturday, September 6, in Asaba, the Delta State capital, with with a total of 110 medals, comprising 52 gold, 32 silver and 26 bronze.
Host, Delta, finished second with 114 medals- 37 gold, 38 silver and 39 bronze, while Edo came third with 79 medals- 33 gold, 18 silver and 28 bronze.
Lagos took unasailable lead mid into the Games, with Edo and Delta competing for the second and third positions, which was finally decidied on the last day of the competion in favour of the latter.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, which he described as a festival of unity, discipline and excellence, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, charged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to urgently address the growing menace of age cheating at each edition of the Games to safeguard its credibility and ensure fairness.
Oborevwori stated: “What began days ago with great excitement has now come to a glorious conclusion. Today, we celebrate not only the medal winners, but also the triumph of sportsmanship and national pride that this festival of youth has demonstrated.”
The governor commended the athletes for their resilience, stressing that whether they won medals or not, they had inspired the country through their courage and determination, while the Games also provided a platform for discovering new talents from across the country.
He, however, lamented that the continued practice of states fielding over-aged athletes undermined the vision of the games, urging the NSC to urgently introduce stricter measures to restore integrity and ensure the event remains a true nursery of young talents.
Oborevwori expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, NSC, Local Organising Committee (LOC), coaches, officials and volunteers for their roles in ensuring a smooth and successful games.
While praising Team Delta for sustaining its tradition of sporting excellence, he commended the visitors for making Asaba their home while the Games lasted, assuring them of Delta’s readiness to host the 10th edition next year, in line with the agreement that gave the state hosting rights for four consecutive editions.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate every participant and wish you safe travels back to your various destinations,” he concluded.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, represented by the Director of Grassroots Sports and General Coordinator of the Games, Amaka Asiofu, described this year’s edition as “an incredible experience, marked by fair competition, determination, exciting adventures and inspirational sportsmanship.”
He lauded the Delta State Government for its robust sports development system, noting that the Games had once again provided Nigeria with a fresh pool of athletes who would eventually replace aging national players across various sports.
Dikko assured that the Commission would continue to implement policies to nurture the talents, while promoting a sports economic ecosystem that will add value to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He also expressed gratitude to Oborevwori, Tinubu, the Federal Government, participating states, sponsors and stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the Games.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission (DSSC), Onoriode Oborevwori, said the Games has showcased not only the competitive spirit of Nigerian athletes, but also the values of friendship, resilience and cooperation.
He thanked the NSC, organisers and stakeholders for their commitment and called for continued collaboration to drive development and excellence in sports.
In all, 33 states won medals at the Games, with a combined total of 802 medals, comprising 246 gold, 236 silver and 320 bronze.
