BY: Mubarak Isma’il Abubakar Madungurum
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Urged Federal Ministry of Sports Development to short-down age cheating in Sporting Activities in Nigeria.
He made the statement during the opening ceremony of the 8th Edition of the National Youths Games 2024, held at the Stephin Keshi International Stadium Asaba, Delta state.
It could be recalled that the National Youths Games was initiated by the former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2013.
It’s a multi-sporting event organized by the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development for the 36 state athletes from the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
The aim of organizing the event is to help young athletes showcase their talents in sporting activities. It also helps in identifying the athletes that will represent the country in All African Games and Olympics. President Bola Ahmed Tunubu said his administration will do everything humanly possible to tackle Age cheating and Doping in National Youths Games.
Represented by the Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh, the president praised the Delta state government for hosting the event for the second time in a row.
He also lamented that sports played a vital role in wealth creation and job opportunities to Nigerian youths for them to become self-reliant and promote peace and unity among Nigerians.
In his remarks, Delta State Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori appealed to the President to review the National Youths Games age from U-15 to U-17, this he said, will help young talents to quickly migrate from junior category to senior category of Team Nigeria in all sporting activities without creating any Vacuum.
He said the Delta state government is proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to ensure the goals and objectives of the event are realized.
Highlights of the occasion was the match pass by the participating state, while singer Brown Joys entertained the audience.
