Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has asked the 36 States across the federation to give priority to school sports programmes as part of strategic moves to develop sports in Nigeria
The governor who made the call on Thursday during opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of National Youth Games holding at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the State capital, stressed the need for compulsory inter-house sports competitions in both primary and secondary schools, so as to consolidate on school sports festival
"It is equally imperative that states give priority attention to school sports programmes"
"There should be compulsory inter-house sports competitions in primary and secondary schools as well as the consolidation of school sports festivals. And, the promotion of well-designed sports development programmes for tertiary institutions too. Athletes who have excelled should be encouraged at various levels", he stated
Governor Oborevwori also emphasized the importance of maintaining sports facilities to proper groom talented athletes discovered during the games to feed senior teams of respective states
"In addition, efforts should also be made to provide and maintain sports facilities for our athletes. This way, there will be a steady pool of athletes from which we can always recruit to feed our senior teams at any time", he maintained
Oborevwori who expressed concern over the recent poor outing of Team-Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic, called for the return of Age-Limit of athletes participation at the games to Under 17 , instead of the current Under 15, to enable them transit seamlessly from the Junior team category to replace ageing athletes in the Senior category
"Nigeria’s performance at recent world sporting events is on the decline. It is my considered view that the age limit for the National Youth Games should revert to the original age limit of U-17, as against the current U-15. This is to provide a platform for our talented "senior teenagers and young adults" to quickly migrate from junior category to senior category of Team Nigeria in all sports and games without a break or vacuum."
He urged the over 6,000 athletes and officials competing at this year's games to display good spirits of sportsmanship while encouraging them to always be at their best representing their respective states
"I urge you to compete fairly but fiercely. You may not always win, but you will be remembered for putting in your best. In sports parlance, I encourage you to leave it all on the field. Remember that your family, friends, schoolmates, and even your respective state governments are rooting for you",
"It is my prayer that God will give you the strength to excel and take your sporting career to the highest level by winning Olympics medals for Nigeria in years to come. To the coaches and officials, let fair play be your watchword", he charged
The medal table on Day-0ne , shows host Delta State taking the early lead with 2 gold medals, ahead of Ogun, which has a silver and a bronze.
Abia, Bayelsa, Edo, and Kwara are the other states already with medals to their name.
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