Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has revealed that the state has magnanimously released all the necessary funds needed for the smooth and successful organization of the Games.
The Minister stated this while receiving the Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh and his delegation in his office on Saturday.
Speaking further, he said, “Delta is now a mecca for sporting activities and I want to assure you that we have been hosting lots of sports activities and we have never had any crisis or any security issues and I want to assure you that all arrangements have been made to ensure a hitch-free exercise,”
Also in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Games which was held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba the amiable Governor congratulated the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their consistency and dedication in organizing the National Youth Games.
He remarked that the National Youth Games had come to stay describing it “as a powerful vehicle to discover new talents from the grassroots and ensure that there is a standard programme for athletes’ succession in the country.
“Aside from athlete development, the National Youth Games has also proven to be a cost-effective and reliable tool to promote national unity and advance development and peace agendas of both the national and sub-national governments.
“Indeed, when effectively harnessed, sports have the power to positively impact on the economic and social wellbeing of any society.
He said the United Nations has recognized sports as an important enabler to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the global body, sport plays a great role in “the realization of development and peace in its promotion of tolerance and respect and the contributions it makes to the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives.
“During this year’s International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed observed and I quote: ‘sport has the power to align our passion, energy, and enthusiasm around a collective cause. And that is precisely when hope can be nurtured and trust can be regained. It is in our collective interest to harness the tremendous power of sport to help build a better and more sustainable future for all.’
“Our belief in these ideals is unshakable. Hence, the Government of Delta State has continued to make its resources available to host national and international sporting competitions.
“In 2018, we hosted the African Senior Athletics Championship, and, in November 2022, the 21st National Sports Festival.
“Meanwhile, the Stephen Keshi Stadium has become a venue of choice for hosting national football championships. Clearly, Delta is becoming the mecca of sports in Nigeria”.
He assured participants of a peaceful and exciting games, adding that adequate arrangements have been made for hitch-free movement across the length and breadth of the city.
He commended the Delta State Sports Commission, the Local Organising Committee, the support staff, and all involved in the planning and organization of the event, “The government and good people of Delta State owe you a debt of gratitude for your sacrifice, hard work, dedication, and determination to ensure a smooth and successful athletics competition”.
He charged the athletes to use the games to launch themselves to national and international prominence.
“To all our athletes, the moment of truth has arrived. Your family, friends, and well-wishers are rooting for you to seize the moment and launch yourself into national prominence.
“I trust that you are mindful of the potentials that this opportunity holds for your future. So, I urge you to rededicate yourselves to the timeless virtues of discipline, endurance, perseverance, and good sportsmanship.
“As the saying goes, records are meant to be broken. So, I challenge you to set new records and take Nigerian sports to another level,” Governor Oborevwori stated.
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