Today, youths from all over the country gather in Asaba to run, throw, jump and swim in the 8th National Youth Games.
The iconic and Olympic size stadium shall host the sport meet.
The Pond News welcomes these young Nigerians to Asaba, the alluring capital of Delta State famous for hospitality and unequalled accommodation.
The eternal beauty and relevance of the sports meet is that hope is not lost on the nation unity and progress.
The sport meet would further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and patriotism.
We passionately appeal to these young minds to look beyond winning medals but fortify the nation unity and greatness.
It is an opportunity to build their careers in sports and enter the global stage of sports professionalism which is money spinning.
Delta State has distinguished itself as the centre of sports, attracting national, continental and global sport meet including soccer. It is our hope that the Sheriff Oborevwori government would sustain these legacies. The promise of the governor to build an international stadium in Warri in the spirit of Warri Renewal agenda should come to fruition. The delay in putting that promise to practice is not comfortable at all.
The sports meet shall boost the local economy. Most hotels shall reap the economic benefits, same with those in the catering industry. Vendors of clothes, shoes and other merchandise have already erected their stands along the Nnebisi road. It is a welcome development.
However, we are disappointed beyond description and compare, that more than a year since the exit of Tonibok Okowa as the head of Delta State Sports Commission, no suitable replacement has been found. The Pond News would not be distracted by insinuations in some quarters that the governor hands are tied as regards this important appointment. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has no excuse to give for this delay for the bucks stop at his table. Some of those in charge of this sports meet apart from Chief Solomon Ogba and Tonobok Okowa should be appointed
It diminishes the status of Delta State as the foremost sporting state that it has no functional Sport Commission. It is our supplication that before the end of the sports meet, the headship of the commission is announced.
The sports meet shall pose security challenges to the police and other security agencies. We appeal to the State Police Commissioner to put on his strategic thinking cap to avoid any security lapses.
We once more welcome young Nigerians to Delta State , imploring them to make the best of the situation.
