THE 8th Edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba has come and gone but it further crystallizes Delta State’s dominance in the nation’s sports. Needless to say, the state has a long-standing reputation as the “Mecca of Sports,” a term fittingly coined by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Delta’s performance at the Games not only demonstrated its superiority in sports, but also solidified its status as a premier destination for sporting events in Nigeria.
Delta’s excellence in sports is evident not only in the successful hosting of national events like the NYG but also in the state’s extensive world-class sporting facilities. The state’s commitment to sports development is a blueprint for other states to follow. These investments have yielded significant dividends, both in terms of talent production and the overall growth of sports in Nigeria. Delta State has consistently produced world-class athletes who have represented Nigeria on international stages, including household names like Blessing Okagbare, Ese Brume, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Stephen Keshi, and many others. These successes highlight the importance of leveraging local strengths and investing in key areas for development.
The recent hosting of the National Youth Games follows Delta’s triumph in hosting the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival. It also marked another milestone as the state not only hosted but also won the Youth Games by an impressive margin, in quick succession. This victory attracted some envy from rival states, which resorted to spreading misinformation about the medals table. However, Delta’s dominance was rooted in its extensive investment in sports, allowing it to field the largest contingent in the competition, participating in all events. This broad participation translated into 111 medals, including 46 Gold, 31 Silver, and 34 Bronze. The second-placed state, Lagos, managed only 65 medals, while Edo State, long considered Delta’s fiercest rival, finished with 59 medals. Delta’s victory at the 2024 NYG reaffirms its position as a sports powerhouse, having now won the Games seven times out of eight editions, alongside its record of seven consecutive National Sports Festival wins.
While Delta’s success is worth celebrating, it also calls for introspection on the future of sports development in the state. The recently concluded games provided 10 days of exceptional sportsmanship and athletic brilliance. However, to maintain its dominance, Delta must ensure that its facilities, which were instrumental in this victory, do not lie idle. The Delta State Sports Commission, led by its Director General, Mr Festus Owhojero, must take proactive steps to ensure that the sporting infrastructure is consistently utilised. These facilities should be accessible not just for major competitions but also for grassroots development, where untapped talent abounds.
Additionally, there is a need to construct more sporting facilities across the state, as well as to maintain the existing ones. Grassroots access to quality sporting infrastructure is crucial in nurturing the next generation of athletes. This will help Delta remain at the forefront of talent production, ensuring the continuity of its sports legacy. Importantly, these efforts will also contribute to reducing youth restiveness by engaging young people in productive activities. Sport is not only a means of achieving fame but also a vital tool for social engagement and employment for the state’s youth population.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deserves commendation for his unwavering commitment to sports development in Delta. His vision of sports becoming a major export commodity from the state is steadily becoming a reality. By continuously investing in sports, Delta State is setting an example for others to follow, demonstrating that with the right resources and commitment, sports can serve as a catalyst for social and economic development.
