The opening ceremony of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, was marked by a rousing address from Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots sports development and the future of Nigerian sports industry .

In his speech, Chief Dare praised President Tinubu for his bold leadership and visionary approach to sports administration.

“I want to also thank President Tinubu for putting sports administration in the hands of two very capable people, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko and DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade. These two people come with vast experience. These men will work with others, including women, to develop our sports,” he stated.

Chief Dare underscored the Presidency’s passion for sports, noting that recent gestures of recognition and reward for Nigeria’s female teams underscore a new era of government support.

“Nothing demonstrates the Presidency’s unprecedented love and support for sports like the way President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, supported and rewarded the Super Falcons and D’Tigress. They will continue to support sports development at the grassroots. They will support all sports,” he declared.

Highlighting the significance of the National Youth Games as a pipeline for talent discovery, Dare stressed the need for structured investment in young athletes.

“The National Youth Games is the source of the talents the nation needs to achieve sporting glory. These young talents are identified, nurtured, and fed to our sporting federations to be trained to represent Nigeria in global sporting events. Like it’s often said ‘the gold is in the child.’ From the young ages of 15 years and downwards, we must find and develop them,” he said.

The 9th edition of the National Youth Games, holding from August 26 to September 6, 2025, features 37 sporting events with participants from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Chief Dare’s remarks reinforced the message that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is determined to transform grassroots sports into a powerhouse for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.

Kola Daniel,

S.A, Media,

Office of the Director General,

National Sports Commission (NSC).

September 1, 2025.