Tinubu Flags Off 9th National Youth Games

By Samuel Gangwaja

Asaba, Delta State

President Bola Tinubu has described the National Youth Games as the cradle of Nigeria’s sporting excellence and a vital platform for grooming future champions.

Speaking at the opening of the 9th edition of the Games in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday, the President — represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications and former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare — reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports as a tool for national unity, social cohesion, and youth empowerment.

Tinubu emphasized that his government’s continued investment in sports, including rewards for medalists, reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen youth development and ensure Nigeria’s global competitiveness in athletics. He also commended the National Sports Commission for driving grassroots talent discovery, while praising Delta State for its consistency in hosting and nurturing sports development.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, described the event as a “celebration of Nigeria’s youth, unity, and future.” He highlighted Delta’s long-term investments in sports infrastructure and grassroots competitions as the key to the state’s sporting dominance.

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, stressed the role of the Youth Games as a pathway that links grassroots talent to elite-level performance and podium success.

Also in attendance was Adamawa State’s Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Barr. Wali Yakubu, who expressed confidence that his state’s athletes would surpass previous records — a reflection of the increasing importance states attach to the Games as a breeding ground for talent.

With over 6,000 athletes competing across 37 sports, the week-long competition is expected to showcase emerging stars who could follow in the footsteps of Nigerian sporting legends. Since its establishment in 2013, the National Youth Games have produced athletes who went on to represent Nigeria at continental and global stages, fulfilling the vision of building a strong pipeline of sporting champions.