Asaba, Delta State — The 9th National Youth Games kicked off in Asaba with a strong message of commitment from the Bola Tinubu administration. Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, delivered a rousing address at the opening ceremony, affirming the government’s dedication to developing grassroots sports and transforming the nation’s sports sector.
Chief Dare praised President Tinubu’s “bold leadership and visionary approach,” highlighting what he described as a new era for sports administration. He specifically pointed to the appointment of Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade to lead the National Sports Commission (NSC), noting their extensive experience. “These two people come with vast experience. These men will work with others, including women, to develop our sports,” he stated.
The Presidency’s support for sports, Dare added, is evident in its recent recognition and rewarding of Nigeria’s female teams. Nothing demonstrates the Presidency’s unprecedented love and support for sports like the way President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, supported and rewarded the Super Falcons and D’Tigress. They will continue to support sports development at the grassroots. They will support all sports,” he declared.
Dare emphasized the crucial role of the National Youth Games as a key pipeline for discovering talent. He stressed the need for structured investment in young athletes, stating, “The National Youth Games is the source of the talents the nation needs to achieve sporting glory.” He continued, “These young talents are identified, nurtured, and fed to our sporting federations to be trained to represent Nigeria in global sporting events. Like it’s often said, ‘the gold is in the child.’ From the young ages of 15 years and downwards, we must find and develop them.”
The 9th edition of the National Youth Games, which runs from August 26 to September 6, 2025, features participants from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory competing in 37 events. According to Dare, the Tinubu administration is focused on making grassroots sports a powerful tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness. The remarks were part of a statement released by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission.
