As the curtain fell on the 8th edition of the National Youth Games held in Asaba on Thursday, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, emphasized the importance of nurturing and developing young talents discovered at the games to help them evolve into world-class athletes.
Applauding the high level of discipline and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes, the minister announced the launch of the Athletes Development Initiative, designed to guide these young talents towards competing at the elite level.
“To the athletes, I say congratulations for your high level of discipline and sportsmanship while showcasing your God-given talents. The sky is the beginning for you young lads. With you, the future of Nigerian sports is bright.
You have begun a journey that will no doubt catapult you into the spectacular world of elite sports. I see future world record holders and Olympic and Paralympic medalists among you. With dedication and commitment, I believe you can achieve this,” Enoh said.
The minister highlighted the National Youth Games as a critical platform for discovering talents who have gone on to represent Nigeria globally, many of whom are champion-winning medalists. He assured that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the government is committed to harnessing the socioeconomic potential of the sports sector to further the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Enoh also pointed out that the National Youth Games provided direct and indirect employment opportunities for the host state, Delta, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors. He praised the event as a tool for promoting peace and unity in Nigeria and commended Delta State’s government and people for their dedication to ensuring the games’ success.
The minister expressed gratitude to the governors of the participating states, the Minister of FCT, the media, security personnel, and other stakeholders for their roles in the seamless execution of the tournament.
Additionally, Senator Enoh celebrated Sin Munyal Kwairanga, a fourteen-year-old athlete who registered independently and won three gold medals in gymnastics.
Delta, Lagos, and Edo States emerged as the top three performers at the games, securing 111, 65, and 59 medals, respectively, showcasing the rich talent pool that the National Youth Games continues to nurture.
