BY RITA OYIBOKA
The roar of the crowd fills the stadium. A sprinter’s feet pound the track, kicking up dust as they hurtle towards the finish line. In the stands, a sea of spectators rises in anticipation, eyes locked on the finish.
The cheers crescendo as the athletes stretch for the tape, crossing the line in a blur of effort and adrenaline. This is the magic of sport, the rush of competition, the thrill of victory, the shared pulse of excitement.
But outside the spotlight of the stadium, a different kind of race is underway, one driven not by athletic prowess but by commerce.
Even as the 8th National Youth Games (NYG) geared to launch in Asaba, Delta State, traders from across Nigeria staked their claims, turning the grounds around the Stephen Keshi Stadium into a bustling marketplace.
The competition here is just as fierce, with food vendors, clothing sellers, electronics merchants, and many more vying for the attention and wallets of the thousands of individuals flocking to Asaba for the games.
From as early as September 9, traders began setting up their wares both within and outside the stadium grounds, eagerly awaiting the arrival of over 6,000 athletes, 1000 officials, and all their supporters. The Stephen Keshi Stadium has always been more than just a sporting venue; it’s a golden opportunity for the vendors.
We’ve Been Waiting for This – Chukwuma
“I’ve been waiting for these games for months,” says Mrs. Ngozi Chukwuma, a food vendor. She’s traveled from Anambra State to be part of the event, and her stall, set up just outside the stadium gates, already had a small crowd of early customers.
“In 2022, during the National Sports Festival and last
year, at the National Youth Games, I made more money in a week than I usually make in a month. This year, I’m hoping for even more.”
Traveled to Abuja, Kwara, Delta for youth games sales – Danbaiwa
Outside the stadium, The Pointer caught up with Alhaji Musa Danbaiwa, a jewelry merchant who came all the way from Sokoto State to showcase an array of accessories featuring everything from wristwatches to rings, bracelets, and earrings, amongst others.
“Sports events like these are great for business,” he says, handing his POS machine to a customer about to make payment.
“I take my wares to every National Youth Game in Nigeria. I have gone to Abuja, Kwara and this is my second time in Delta state. I was also in Delta during the previous Youth Games in 2023.”
He shared that he pays for the canopy, the table where his wares are displayed, and the ground on which it stands but he did not disclose the amount.
When questioned about his sleeping arrangements after a long day of business, Alhaji Danbaiwa revealed that he sleeps wherever his business takes him. Some nights, he rests under his canopy outside.
On other nights, he finds a spot on the stadium’s bleachers. It’s a routine he’s grown accustomed to, one that’s served him well in many states.
A Host City, Ready for Action
Asaba is no stranger to hosting national sports events. Delta State has earned a reputation as a dependable host, having previously managed the National Sports Festival and last year’s edition of the National Youth Games with great success.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, had expressed confidence that this year will be no different. After touring the sporting facilities earlier in the week, he told newsmen that the state was fully prepared for the games.
“We’re good to go,” Dr. Emu said. “The sporting facilities are in top form, with only a few touch-ups needed. Those will be done in the next 24 hours. We’ve also secured decent accommodations for all the contingents, and security measures are in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”
With contingents staying in venues like Dennis Osadebay University, the Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, and the Sports Commission hostel, Asaba has once again welcomed visitors from all over the country.
Beyond the games, the city itself offers plenty of attractions for those looking to explore.
Dr. Emu highlighted the Marian Babangida Leisure Park, the city’s hotels, and its renowned local cuisine as draws for tourists. “Asaba is known for its hospitality,” he added, “and we expect everyone who visits to leave with fond memories.”
Started Grilled fish business because of Youth Games –Ogbe
For the traders, the National Youth Games represent not just a sporting spectacle but a crucial opportunity to boost their livelihoods.
The commercial side of sporting events is often overlooked, but in Asaba, it’s a key part of the local economy. Each event brings in vendors like Ngozi and Danbaiwa, who are eager to capitalize on the crowds.
The Pointer Correspondent encountered Asaba resident, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbe, who has turned his passion into a thriving business, thanks to the recent youth games.
Ogbe, who sells grilled catfish at the stadium, revealed that he had long considered launching the venture, but the event provided the perfect catalyst.
He shared his story amidst the enticing smells of smoke and grilled catfish wafting through the air. “The youth games were the push I needed to get started,” he said. “It’s been a dream of mine for a while, and now it’s finally taking off.”
“It has only been a few days since I started selling grilled catfish in the stadium and I have sold over a hundred fish. People come here in the evenings to relax and they take the fish with their drinks.
“The opening of the games proper only made my sales double. I even had to hire someone to assist me. With this success I have experienced, even after the games, I will continue selling grilled fish here,” he said.
While the athletes take their place on the track and field, the traders are preparing to take advantage of the economic boost the games will bring.
The marketplace that has sprung up around the stadium is as diverse as the athletes themselves, with traders offering everything from sizzling suya, and jollof rice to the latest in fashion and technology.
Renting space costs more now – Ujueze
The Pointer also spoke with Mr. Victor Ujueze who displayed an impressive array of male footwear, ranging from office shoes to trainers and casual slip-ons, catering to the diverse tastes of sports enthusiasts.
Under the shade of his canopy, he told our correspondent that the spot they stood on cost N7000 to secure for the ten days of the youth games. According to him, the price is N2000 more than what he played last year in the space.
However, he noted that the price may vary by size and other factors.
Security For Sports Success
Ensuring the safety of both the athletes and the traders is a top priority for the local organizers.
According to Dr. Emu, the police and other security agencies have been fully mobilized, and digital surveillance systems are in place to monitor the stadium and its surroundings. With these precautions, both athletes and spectators can enjoy the games without fear, and the traders can conduct their business in peace.
The Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Festus Ohwojero, also confirmed that all the venues scheduled to host athletes were ready to go. “We’re hosting over 5,000 athletes, and they’ll be camped at various locations around the city. Everything is set for a successful event.”
As the opening ceremony kicked off on September 12th, a wave of excitement filled the atmosphere, leaving no doubt that something extraordinary was about to unfold.
For the athletes, it’s a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage.
For the spectators, it’s an opportunity to witness the next generation of Nigerian sports stars in action.
And for the traders, it’s an economic lifeline.
Before the athletes even take their marks, traders have already crossed the finish line, winning over the thousands of visitors who swarm their stalls.
The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori hit the nail on the head when he declared on Thursday that the state and sports are practically one and the same.
But it’s not just the officials, facilities, or the athletes who make the games possible; it’s also the vendors who, like the athletes, show up, put in the work, and keep the wheels turning.
