Lagos State maintained Second position on the medal table at the 8th edition of the National Youth Games that concluded on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, with a spectacular display of talent and competition.
The closing day featured three significant events: the 4×100 mixed relay, the 4×400 meters girls’ relay, and the 4×400 meters boys’ relay.
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In the 4×100 Mixed Relay, Edo State clinched the gold with a time of 45.32 seconds, while Delta State secured the silver medal.
In the 4×400 Meters Girls’ Relay, Team Delta emerged victorious with a time of 3:34.15, followed by Edo State with the silver, and Cross River taking the bronze.
While in the 4×400 Meters Boys’ Relay, Delta State won gold with a time of 3:20.83, Abia State claimed silver, and Ogun State took bronze.
Hosts Delta State dominated the tournament again this year, maintaining first position with a total of 111 medals (46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze).
However, the spotlight also shone brightly on Lagos State, which improved its performance significantly compared to the previous year.
This year, Delta State won 111 medals (46 gold, 31 silver, 34 bronze) compared to last year’s 116 medals (51 gold, 34 silver, 31 bronze). There was a slight decrease in total medals and gold medals but they maintained top position.
Lagos State also maintained the second position as they gathered 65 medals (26 gold, 20 silver, 19 bronze) compared to last year’s 61 medals (21 gold, 19 silver, 21 bronze). There is significant improvement in the increased overall medal count and gold medals, showcasing growth and better performance.
Edo State also retained the third position with 59 medals (18 gold, 13 silver, 28 bronze)as to last year’s 53 medals (21 gold, 15 silver, 17 bronze). Although there is a slight decrease in gold and silver medals there is an increase in overall medal count.
Bayelsa State is in fourth place with 59 medals (16 gold, 13 silver, 28 bronze) while Kwara State although surpassing its previous records maintains the fifth position with 33 medals (14 gold, 7 silver, 12 bronze).
His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevbori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Oyeme, attended the closing ceremony.
The Director General of the State Sports Commission, Festus Owhohjero, delivered the welcome speech, and the sports minister, Senator John Owan Eno, gave the closing ceremony address.
This year’s National Youth Games showcased the rising talent across Nigeria, with Lagos State making notable strides in their performance.
The games not only provided a platform for young athletes to compete but also displayed the importance of sports in unifying and developing the nation’s youths.
