…Urges sports stakeholders to join Ministry in its efforts to reshape and reposition sports in the country
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA FCT – As the 8th edotion of the National Youth Games begins in Asaba, Delta State, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has given reasons why Nigeria must invest more in grassroots sports development in the country.
This is also as Senator Enoh has urged all sports stakeholders to join the Ministry in its efforts to reshape and reposition sports in the country.
According to the minister, throughout the seven previous editions, the National Youth Games has proven to be a significant platform and has served as a beacon of hope for revitalizing our sports sector. The 8th edition is expected to further advance this cause.Therefore, it is imperative that we invest more in grassroots sports development in the country to expand the reach of our talent pool. This is an area where we can not afford to go wrong as a nation.

Senator Enoh made the call in his welcome address released on his X account on Friday(today).
The welcome address reads in full:
I have the pleasure to welcome you all to the 8th edition of the National Youth Games holding in Asaba, Delta State “the Big Heart of the nation”. I am particularly delighted to be here again for this “catch them young programme”, that is dedicated to talent hunt and nurturing among Nigeria’s youths. As you are aware, the significance of Grassroots sports development can not be over-emphasized in building a formidable and result-oriented sports sector.
Undoubtedly, in today’s world, sports play a crucial role in creating wealth, promoting peace, fostering national unity, and facilitating international diplomacy. It is the one sector that attracts young people from all over the world to showcase their potential, which is why the current Administration, led by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), is dedicated to repositioning it for optimal performance in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is essential to emphasize that the experience in office over the past year and the lessons learned from the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympics Games clearly indicate that we need to revisit the basics and develop a new framework aimed, not at just identifying talents but one that is focused on developing and nurturing the talents from the grassroots level to the elite level.

Throughout its seven previous editions, the National Youth Games has proven to be a significant platform and has served as a beacon of hope for revitalizing our sports sector. The 8th edition is expected to further advance this cause.Therefore, it is imperative that we invest more in grassroots sports development in the country to expand the reach of our talent pool. This is an area where we can not afford to go wrong as a nation.
Under my leadership and with the support of Mr. President, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, is fully dedicated to implementing policies and programmes that will continue to deepen and cater to the sports development needs of our nation. In this regard, we are not just committed to identifying talents, but we are also interested in nurturing these talents to the elite level.

I urge all sports stakeholders to join the Ministry in our efforts to reshape and reposition sports in the country. This year’s edition of the National Youth Games therefore presents yet another opportunity to initiate the process of athlete development for the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic Champions and the setting of World Records. Let us come together to establish a sustainable system that we can hand over to the next generation of leaders.
On this note, I would like to express my gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the government, and the people of Delta State for being gracious hosts to all the state delegations from across the country. I commend you, Your Excellency, for your continued support of sports development and particularly for your interest in grassroots sports development. Hosting a national competition at this time is no small feat, and I commend you for your efforts.
I have been informed that about 4,585 athletes and 1,159 officials were cleared to participate after the Final Delegation Registration Meetings. According to the records available to me, this is the highest number ever recorded for the National Youth Games.
Therefore, I would like to express my appreciation to the Governors of all the participating States and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for their unwavering support and sponsorship of their delegations’ participation in the 8th National Youth Games.
To the athletes and officials, I urge you to abide by the rules and demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play in all events and activities. I daresay, it is also important to compete clean.