Tinubu sues for peace as 2023 National Youth Games begin
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sued for peace as he declared open the 7th edition of the National Youth Games, taking place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. Delta State.
The President who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh said that the Games should promote the spirit of friendship amongst all states.
He urged all state officials and athletes to compete with the spirit of fairness and togetherness, while putting the interests of the nation first while suing for peace and greater unity amongst athletes and states participating in the 7th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
The Minister made the statement as he performed a kolanut-breaking exercise, a traditional symbolism for peace, friendship and positive ideals.
He thanked the Government of Delta State for accepting to host the Games, reiterating that benefits abounds for both the State and the nation, at large.
“Present here in Asaba, are boys and girls from far away states in the North, South,
East and West. Let this game catalyze us to work together, compete together, stay together and be able to understand each other. Our hope is that this National Youth Games will assist Government and the people of Nigeria to foster peace and unity with one another.”
“I thank the Delta State
Government for accepting to host the Games. Our greatest hope is that the Games will proceed peacefully and at the end of the day, the Nation and the State of Delta will be reap the benefits therein,” the Minister added.
The Games will feature 35 sports such as athletics,
basketball, cricket, chess, football, judo, golf, handball, scrabble, Taekwondo and volleyball with over 5,742 athletes from the 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory who began arriving Asaba from September 20 ahead of the opening ceremony held yesterday.