From Taofiq Jimoh Adeniyi, Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state on Monday said sports should not just be for mere recreation but a platform to engage the youths who would otherwise have channeled their abundant energy to other untoward activities.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 5th National Youths Games at the University of Ilorin in Ilorin, the state capital, AbdulRazaq said government at all levels should develop a sectoral plan strategy to transform sports into an industry that empowers the teeming youths for social and economic development.
AbdulRazaq commended all the participants for their sportsmanship and hailed the Sports Ministry and the host university for their efforts that resulted in the success of the game.
“All of you are winners. The fact that you all came here from across the country shows your efforts to win,” he said.
“I hereby congratulate the organisers of this event. It is a fantastic event, hosting up to 4000 youths is a phenomenal thing. I salute Delta, Lagos in specific, I cannot call all states.”
He pledged to make the event better next year, including ensuring that the state contingent performs better.
“This is a new government, and we have seen what can be achieved and what is achievable. Certainly next year it is going to be a better event. This is my first time to this event, next year we would come in full force. And we believe there will be progression and growth because the number of the participants in this edition surpassed last year’s, and next year we hope to have more,” he added.
Earlier, the minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare who was represented by the Permanent-secretary in ministry, Olusade Olusola expressed fulfillment that the NYG which started on a “shaky beginning in 2013 has metamorphosed into a premium event in youths calendar.”
“It is indeed heartwarming that the NYG is fulfilling one of its objectives of serving as a catchment competition for the selection of athletes for international games that the nation and everyone here present today should be proud of and associated with,” he said.
While reeling out the achievements recorded at the NYG, the minister said the event has been consolidating on its gains with the discovery of several athletics that has been discovered.
“At the last African youth game in Algeria, over 30 athletes discovered at NYG represented and won laurels for the country at athletics, badminton, weight lifting, wrestling, cycling, judo and others.
“The four medals won at the youth Olympic game in Argentina in October 2018 were won by athletes discovered at the 2017 Games…” he said.
In his remarks, the vice chancellor of the host university, University of Ilorin, Prof. Age Abdulkareem who was represented by the Dean of Students, Prof Lanre Ajibade assured that the institution was not tired of hosting the game.
He said if the organizers deem it fit to make the institution the permanent host of the Game, they were welcomed.
“I doubt if any university can take care of this huge number of people within 10 days. We have standard accommodation, we have peaceful environment, security wise there is no fear of boko haram, and there is no fear of kidnapping. You are in the state of harmony and this has been clearly demonstrated,” he said.
Team Delta which garnered a total of 94 medals – 36 gold, 29 Silver and 29 bronze medals – came first while Lagos State came second with 69 medals – 21 gold 35 Silver and 13 bronze medals.
Bayelsa came third with 41 medals while Akwa Ibom has 39 to place 4th.
Team Yobe got awarded as the best behaved state while Delta state was awarded as the largest contingent. Akwa Ibom was the best kitted team.
