By Austin Ogwuda
Lagos State has, for the first time, emerged the overall winners of the National Youth Games (NYG).
It hauled a total of 110 Medals comprising 52 Gold, 32 Silver and 26 Bronze while the defending champion Delta State finished second with 114 medals – 37 Gold, 38 Silver and 39 Bronze.
Edo State came third with 79 medals – 33 Gold, 18 Silver and 28 Bronze.
Overall, 33 States won medals at the Games, with a combined total of 802 medals, comprising 246 Gold, 236 Silver and 320 Bronze.
Reacting to the defeat – dethroning Delta State, former Editor of The Pointer newspapers, currently the Publisher of a prominent Online platform – The Pond News, Julius Oweh wrote that “Incompetent management, lack of proper planning and preparation are the fertile ground for this disgrace.
“This is the first time the Delta Sports Commission under the leadership of Mr Onoriode Oborevwori (Governor’s brother) is hosting a major sports competition”.
Speaking on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, during the closing ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said, “What began days ago with great excitement has now come to a glorious conclusion. Today, we celebrate not only the medal winners but also the triumph of sportsmanship and national pride that this festival of youth has demonstrated”.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, represented by Chief Amaka Asiofu, Director of Grassroots Sports and General Coordinator of the Games described the Asaba edition as “an incredible experience, marked by fair competition, determination, exciting adventures and inspirational sportsmanship”.
He gave assurance that the Commission would continue to implement policies to nurture the talents while promoting a sports economic ecosystem that will add value to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
