John Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, has expressed that the National Youth Games is of great importance as a symbol of hope for revitalizing Nigeria's sports industry.

During the opening ceremony of the 8th edition of the Games at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, he underscored the critical role of grassroots sports development in cultivating young talent and enhancing the nation's standing in the global sports arena.

The event, which gathered young athletes and officials from across the country, allowed the Minister to emphasize the value of grassroots initiatives in developing future champions and fostering national unity.

He reiterated that grassroots sports development is essential for building a robust sports sector, highlighting that this event is crucial for identifying and nurturing emerging talent.

"In today's society, sports are vital for generating wealth, promoting peace, encouraging national unity, and facilitating international relations.

This is why the current administration, led by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), is dedicated to transforming the sector for optimal performance in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda." Reflecting on insights gained from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Enoh called for a renewed emphasis on grassroots development.

He highlighted the necessity for a framework that extends beyond mere talent identification to ensure comprehensive support from grassroots to elite competition levels.

The Minister also praised Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his unwavering support of grassroots sports, especially during challenging times for hosting such a national event.

With a record 4,585 athletes and 1,159 officials participating— the highest in the history of the National Youth Games— this edition is set to be historic.

Enoh expressed his gratitude to the Governors of the participating states and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for their unwavering support and sponsorship of their state delegations.

He urged athletes and officials to uphold the principles of fair play, emphasizing the importance of clean competition and adherence to the established rules.

“The current edition of the National Youth Games offers a unique platform to initiate the athlete development process for the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic champions, potentially leading to the establishment of new world records,” he added.