The sixth edition of the National Youth Games was on Friday declared opened by the Deputy Governor of Kwara state, Mr Kayode Alabi, at the Maracana Stadium I, University of Ilorin.
The colourful ceremony saw beautiful display by all participating teams with calculated match pass parade that received cheers and praises from officials and the thrilled spectators.
In his speech, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare as represented by the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mallam Ismalia Abubakar said that the year’s edition will not break away from it’s original purpose of institution.
“This edition of National Youth Games will be serving the purpose of which it was strategically designed by the Ministry. Basically, the concept of National Youth Games is to serve as an effective platform for talent identification, development and as well as a level playing ground for young athletes, ranging from age 15 and below to achieve excellence in sports.”
Further, the Minister said that this year’s edition of the games is unique as it will produce formidable athletes that will represent Nigeria at the Africa Youth Games in Ethiopia 2022 and the next Youth Olympics games in Dakar, Senegal.
All concerned National Sports Federations must take advantage of this games and guide their sports to developmental objective and further develop the identified talents to the benefit of the country, he added.
The Vice Chancellor Professor Sulyman Abdulkareem in his welcome speech as delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof Malomo, registered his delights at what they have been able to do as host so far, while he also thanked the federal and state governments for their endless supports.
“I think this is the fourth edition we are hosting based on the MoU we have with the ministry of sports and I think we are doing well as far as the MoU is concerned.” We are proud to represent you and we are grateful for the supports we have received from the federal government, but also from Kwara state.”
“I feel highly elated seeing everyone from various state coming together for this event. You are all welcome to the harmony state”.
The opening ceremony witnessed outstanding match pass by participating states, but Team Kwara, Team Lagos won themselves extra cheers and applauses from excited spectators