Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a strong call to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to tackle the persistent issue of age cheating at the National Youth Games (NYG), warning that the integrity and future of the competition are at stake.
Speaking on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba during the colourful closing ceremony of the 9th edition of the NYG, Governor Oborevwori described the Games as a celebration of unity, discipline, and the unbreakable spirit of Nigerian youth.
He commended all athletes for their courage, resilience, and determination, saying that every participant, medalist or not, had contributed to inspiring the nation.
“This is more than just a sports competition,” the governor declared. “It is a festival of youth, a showcase of potential, and a mirror of our national values.
But this vision is being threatened by the scourge of age cheating, which undermines the very foundation of the Games.”
He urged the NSC to take decisive action by introducing stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to eliminate the use of over-aged athletes, a practice he described as “unfair and contrary to the spirit of youth sports.”
Oborevwori, who hailed Team Delta for maintaining its legacy of excellence, also acknowledged the Games as a fertile ground for discovering the next generation of national sports stars.
Reaffirming Delta’s commitment to sports development, the governor announced that the state is ready and eager to host the 10th edition of the National Youth Games in 2026, as per the four-year hosting agreement.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome the nation’s best young athletes again in two years. Delta is proud to lead in nurturing talent and providing world-class facilities for sports,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the NSC, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators for their roles in delivering a smooth and successful event.
He also thanked visitors for choosing Asaba as their home during the duration of the Games.
In his remarks, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, represented by Chief Amaka Asiofu, Director of Grassroots Sports and General Coordinator of the Games, described the Asaba Games as “an unforgettable chapter” in Nigeria’s sporting history.
He praised the Delta State Government for its strong grassroots sports framework and promised that the NSC would continue to build systems that harness young talent while developing a thriving sports economy to boost Nigeria’s GDP.
“We are proud of the talents unearthed here,” he noted. “Many of these athletes will grow into the stars of tomorrow and represent Nigeria on global stages.”
Dikko also thanked the Federal Government, participating states, sponsors, and sports stakeholders for their unwavering support and hailed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth and sports development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Onoriode Oborevwori, highlighted the unifying power of sports, saying the Games had showcased not just athletic prowess but also the values of friendship, perseverance, and collaboration among Nigerian youths.
He called for sustained partnerships across all levels to ensure sports continue to thrive as a tool for national development and social cohesion.
In a dramatic twist to the Games, Lagos State emerged overall winners for the first time in NYG history, clinching a total of 110 medals, 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze.
Delta State, despite strong performances on home turf, settled for second place with a higher overall tally of 114 medals, but fewer golds, 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze. Edo State finished third with a solid haul of 79 medals, 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze.
A total of 33 states featured on the medal table, contributing to a combined total of 802 medals, including 246 gold, 236 silver, and 320 bronze, a testament to the expanding reach and competitiveness of the Games.