Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, formally bade farewell to its contingent for the ninth Nationwide Youth Video games in Asaba, Delta State, with a powerful cost from the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The workforce, comprising 247 athletes and officers, consists of 186 athletes (109 male and 77 feminine) who will signify the state in 28 totally different sports activities.
Talking on the send-off ceremony held on the Uyo Township Stadium via the Commissioner for Sports activities, Elder Paul Bassey, the Governor reminded the athletes of the faithfulness of God in granting them life and the uncommon privilege of representing the state. He urged them to stay disciplined, decided, and centered all through the competitors.
“The faithfulness of God for all times is the explanation you’re right here, and for that, you should give thanks. Secondly, it’s a privilege to signify your state on the Nationwide Youth Video games. Many younger individuals on the market would have cherished to be in your place, however you have been chosen, and so you should make good use of this chance.
“Lots of you’re competing for the primary time, and from right here you could have the possibility to journey to different states and even signify Nigeria internationally. Sports activities is a good leveller that may carry a toddler from humble beginnings to international relevance,” Elder Bassey stated.
He added:
“When you go to Asaba and win, you’ll be seen and regarded for the nationwide workforce. Keep centered, stay disciplined, and don’t permit something to distract you. In keeping with the ARISE Agenda, your intention is to go for gold. The Governor despatched me right here to want you properly, and I guarantee you that we are going to maintain you, so you don’t have anything to fret about.”
Additionally talking, the Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Sports activities, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, shared joyful moments with the athletes, singing and dancing to the favored tune “Na my state be this o, we no get one other one.” She inspired the younger athletes to offer their best and return with gold medals for Akwa Ibom.
“We’re going to Asaba to do only one factor, which is to win. We pray you come again with gold. Put in your greatest, abide by all the foundations and rules, and most significantly, be good ambassadors of the state,” she charged.
Athletes from throughout Nigeria are anticipated to reach in Asaba for the Video games, which can formally start on Friday, August 29. This marks the third consecutive time Delta State will host the occasion.
The Nationwide Youth Video games is Nigeria’s largest grassroots sports activities competitors, bringing collectively the very best younger athletes to compete for honours, develop their skills, and pursue nationwide recognition.
