NYG Asaba 2024: Oborevwori Elated As Delta Wins 8th National Youth Games

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori , was understandably elated on Thursday as the state won the 2024 National Youth Games (NYG) tagged “Asaba 2024”.

The state topped the medals chart with a total of 111 medals to stamp its dominance of the games, having won it for 8th consecutive times since inception. Team Delta bagged 46 gold; 31 silver and 34 bronze medals to emerge 8th consecutive winners.

Lagos State came second with a total of 65 medals comprising 26 gold; 20 silver and 19 bronze, while Edo, Delta’s sister State, which had been a major challenger until the last days of he sports festival, came third with 18 gold; 13 silver; 28 bronze medals.

Both Delta and Edo states were split out of the now defunct Bendel State on August 27, 1991.

By the victory, Delta remains the only state that has won the competition since inception in 2013.

An apparently elated Governor Oborevwori, at the closing ceremony of the games held at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, congratulated team Delta and other participating teams on their efforts.

Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, the Governor thanked the organisers for their hard work, leading to the success of the games.

He said, “May I heartily congratulate the 35 states and Abuja for participating in this year’s Youth Games. Let me specially congratulate our young athletes for their display of raw talents, resilience and sportsmanship during the games. You’re the future of our nation, and we are proud of you.

“I wish to particularly congratulate those who won medals for themselves and their states during the games. I applaud you for your achievements. Your hard work and dedication has indeed, paid off. To those of you, who did not win any medal, please, do not despair, your participation is victory in itself.

“May I also extend my gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, (owners of the games), the Local Organizing Committee and all the officials for their tireless efforts in making the games a huge success.

“The Games have, once again, demonstrated the power of sports to unite, to promote friendship and camaraderie, as well as to showcase our rich cultural diversity.

“As we bring the games to a close, let us continue to nurture our young talents, invest in grassroot sports development and provide opportunities for our Youths to excel.

“Here in Delta State, we are committed to developing sports infrastructure, promoting sports education and creating platforms for our youths to thrive.

“I charge you all to continue to earnestly crave for excellence, as you grow to become ambassadors of our nation and to inspire others with your achievements

“As Governor of Delta State, I am particularly honoured to host this prestigious event in our great city of Asaba for the second time. We are eagerly waiting to receive you again for the 9th edition, next year”.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, represented by the Director of Grassroots Sports Development, Mr Patrick Okeke, commended the Delta State Government for being a worthy partner in sports development in the country.

He said the National Youth Games had been successful in achieving its purpose, adding that it remained a pivotal platform for the discovery of athletes some of who eventually represent the country in various competitions.

The Minister said many athletes discovered in the past were now champions and winning medals for the country.

He congratulated the lone athlete from Gombe State who won three gold medals in gymnastics for his state.

The Minister said the games had created direct and indirect employment, was promoting peace and unity in Nigeria and fostering economic prosperity for the for host state and its surroundings.

Earlier, the Director-General (DG)of the Delta State Sports Commission and Secretary, Local Organising Committee, LOC, Mr Festus Ohwojero, expressed appreciation to the government and people of the state for the opportunity to host the games and thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his support.

Okpai IPP: Nwoko’s attack on Oborevwori, attempt to coerce, blackmail Governor before public- Ifeajika

The recent media attacks by the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over the Independent Power Plant[IPP) project in Okpai, Delta State, has been described as unsavoury and an attempt to coerce, stampede and blackmail the Governor before the public.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, stated this at a news conference, Thursday September 19, 2024 in Asaba, to the Delta State capital.

Ifeajika, who said that Nigeria operates a three-tier government system, with defined roles and functions, urged Senator Nwoko to focus on the job of bringing democratic dividends from the Federal Government to his constituency, the reason why he was elected by the people.

Adding that Nwoko’s attempt to demonise Governor Oborevwori over the IPP Step-Down, a Federal Government project, was unfortunate and deliberate intention to create unnecessary tension in the state.

According to him, Nigeria’s Constitution operates three tiers of government, and we all know how government functions. At all levels, there is the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary, and they complement each other to function well.

“As constituents of members of the National Assembly from the state, we look up to them to attract development in different dimensions from the Federal Government to the Constituencies.

“Senator Nwoko’s job, like those in the House of Assembly here in Delta, is to work closely with President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council to attract development to Delta North, and by extension, to the state.

“Members of the House of Assembly here are also expected to work closely with Governor Oborevwori to attract projects and dividends of democracy to their people just as Councilors are expected to work closely with Local Government Council Chairmen to attract projects to their various wards.

“The first phase of the IPP project in Okpai in Ndokwa East, whose work started in 2002 was inaugurated by then President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005, with the capacity to generate 480 megawats of electricity.

“Senator Nwoko knows where the authority for power generation and distribution in the country lies. He knows that the national grid where generated electricity is warehoused and distributed is under federal control.

“He knew all these and found that there was need to get the management of the IPP to meet an agreement that was reached before now so that Okpai community and others around that area could have a step down.”

The Governor’s aide recalled that Senator Nwoko had on March 7, 2024, moved a motion on the floor of the Senate asking the IPP Joint Venture partners – Federal Government, represented by NNPCL, Agip and Conoco to complete the step-down project.

He disclosed that the motion also urged the Federal Government to investigate the delay in distributing 100 megawatts of electricity to Okpai and adjoining communities through the proposed step-down.

“The motion didn’t say that Delta State Government should carry out or complete the step-down. This is because the state government was not involved in any way.

“The did not also asked that Delta State Government should be investigated for the delay in distributing the 100 megawatts of electricity from the IPP.

“Senator Nwoko knew where to situate the motion, and it was properly situated. We, therefore, find his utterances a bit uncharitable for him to begin to armtwist Governor Oborevwori to pick the bill of the Okpai project, which was not in any way within the purview of the state government.

“Senator Nwoko is in Abuja to bring whatever is available there to Deltans. We see a situation where he was trying to coerce and stampede the governor as something akin to blackmail.

“It became more uncharitable when he said that the governor must bring out the money to pay the contractors upfront. This is very irregular”, he said.

“We expected Senator Nwoko to fight at the national level and make the Federal Government to get the project done and not to come to the state to coerce Governor Oborevwori to use state funds to complete the project.

“We call on Senator Nwoko to pursue the case with the Federal Government who owns the project. He should rather champion the reconstruction of federal roads that are in terrible conditions in his constituency, including Onicha-Ugbo-Idumuje-Ugboko-Ewohinmi-Abuja road, which passes through his community (Idumuje-Ugboko) directly.

“We are worried that as the only Senator the PDP has in the state, he is creating a scenario of frosty relationship with the governor. We expect a healthy and positive collaboration with the governor for effective development of the state.

“Oborevwori couldn’t have told the Senator that he was paying debts left for him by the Okowa administration, because he (Oborevwori) understands governance and knows that government is a continuum.

“Senator Nwoko should learn from the Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, who has been very vocal, fighting and championing the course of why he was elected, including the Ukpai IPP.”

Ifeajika, who was Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Governor, also debunked insinuations that Governor Oborevwori was concentrating development in Warri and environs.

“There is this notion that the previous administration did so much in Asaba and neglected Warri and environs and it was explained over and over that it was necessary to deflood Warri before proper road construction could be done there, hence Warri wasn’t given so much attention like other areas.

“Now that the drains in Warri are almost completed, Governor Oborevwori has started giving the city the attention it deserves and it is commendable because it is our wish to see Warri come back to its glory days.

“Rather than lampoon Governor Oborevwori for giving Warri attention, he should be commended and encouraged to do more in other areas that are lagging in the development of the state”, Ifeajika added.

Kwara Director of Sports disagrees with change in NYG age limit

Kwara state Sports Commission Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Bako has disagreed on the change of age limit of the National Youth Games from U- 15 to U- 17 as advocated by the Minister of sports Honourable John Enoh.

The Director of Sports reacting to the Minister’s proposal at opening ceremony of the ongoing eighth National Youth Games in Asaba noted that doing so will defeat the primary aim of the Games.

Bako explained that the U-15 age limit for the Youth Games is ideal for grassroot sports talents hunt as from that level, talents discovered could be nurtured to the next stage of development.

He argued that instead, an U- 17 National Games or U- 19 age limit could be be introduced.

Scraping the U- 15 National Youth Games would amount to denying children within that age limit the opportunity of showcasing their talents.

The Governor of Delta state RT Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier at the opening ceremony suggested to the Minister that Youth Games age limit be raised to U- 17.

Asaba 2024 medals table update: Team Delta leaps to 64 medals overall

By Andy Emephia

With a gold, silver and bronze medals haul comprising 31 gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze respectively, Team Delta,s claim to dominance in sports in Nigeria has received impetus at the ongoing 8th National Youth Games ( NYG).

This brings the total medals haul for the inevitable back to back national youth games victors , to a whopping 64, as at 8.32pm of Tuesday 17th September 2024, when the official medals table was released

Edo State , with a total medals haul of 38, comprising 14 gold, 7 Silver , and 17 bronze, are in a distant second position

Though garnering 40 medals overall, two above second placed Edo , Lagos State is in third position , with 12 gold, 12 silver, and 16 bronze medals, respectively

Six States, Ebonyi, Nassarawa , Sokoto , Taraba, Yobe , and Zamfara, respectively, are at the bottom of the medals table with zero medals to their credit

Delta Land Dispute: Donate Benikrukru Land For Investment To Attract Development; Not For Sale- Mulade Urges Leaders

A Warri-based Peace and Development  Advocate, Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade has repeated his appeal to the leadership of the good people of Benikrukru Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom (where he hails from), to donate any portion of land required by indigenes of the area for investment, not to sell to same, so as to encourage connected indigenes to attract investment to the locality.

The renowned peace and environmental justice advocate also appealed to people of that community not to set a dangerous precedence by selling land to indigenes, as that might create chaos in the nearest future and negatively affect the growth and development of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in future.

Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, re-emphasized the need to encourage and support investment by donating land as equity stake that would guarantee security and sustainable benefit to generations yet unborn.

The Gbaramatu-born peace advocate emphasized that all sons and daughters of Benikrukru Community were entitled to land free of charge as bonafide indigenes, and not to buy land under any disguise whatsoever.

He strongly advised: “We should support and encourage any of our indigenes who has the capacity to attract investors to Gbaramatu Kingdom, especially Benikrukru Community, to create employment and job opportunities for our teeming youths that will in turn attract massive development to the area. Therefore, we should appreciate one of our indigenes for his contributions to the development and growth of the community, and also for showcasing the potentials of the community to the outside world”.

Nothing further, Sheriff Mulade emphasized that, “land should be donated freely as the community equity contribution towards supporting his efforts, instead of selling land to him. This will serve as motivation to this illustrious son, and many others like him.”

Mulade expressed strong belief that the prevailing harsh economic situation in Nigeria today was not enough for Benikrukru people to forget his contributions to the economic growth of the community. “Let us avoid doing things that are inimical to natural justice, equity and fair play,” Mulade advised.

The Ijaw-born High Chief said Benikrukru land belongs to all the indigenes with free holding entitlement, and strongly advised that the community should support and contribute to the investment move of our illustrious son, without selling of land under any disguise. Let remember and learn from history, he added.

N5m for Grabs as LOC Commences Sale of forms for 2024 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup Competition

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Competition, formerly known as Ijaw/Itesekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament, has announced the commencement of the sale of forms to applicants.

The biennial football tournament, organized by Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, and sponsored by Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade, is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and unity among Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Urhobo ethnic groups in Delta State, after the conflict and crisis that erupted in the State, particularly in Warri and its environs some years back.

The tournament, aimed at building bridges of unity and promoting socio-economic economic growth and development, will also help to discover many football talents at the grassroots in Delta State, with multiplier benefits for Deltans and the State.

The LOC Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha disclosed today Tuesday that the registration form is now available for sale at N100,000, from 17th September to 16th October, 2024.

Payment can be made to Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, Zenith Bank Account Number 1015535970.

*NOTE:* The deadline for the submission of completed forms is 16th of October, 2024.

The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Competition kicks off on the 16th of November, 2024 to mark this year’s International Day of Tolerance in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG-16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institution, and also to celebrate sustainable peace and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in Delta State.

For further inquiries contact GSM: 08037211166, 08032340001and 08061675744.

Eid-el-Maulud: Ereyitomi congratulates Muslims Faithful in Warri Federal Constituency

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resources Training Funds, Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi extends his special congratulatory wishes to Muslims Faithful under Warri Federal Constituency as they mark Eid-el-Maulud.

Rep Ereyitomi in his congratulatory message to the Islamic faithful urged them to emulate Prophet Mohammed (SAW) by embracing virtues such as honesty, perseverance, and patience, to create a more prosperous Nigeria.

Chief Ereyitomi also joined Nigerian leaders from different walks of life in the Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) with Muslims across the country and seized the occasion to pray for Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State and Nigeria.

According to the Warri Federal Lawmaker, Chief Ereyitomi, the teachings of Islam are centred on belief in God, devotion and service to humanity. Quran 2:177 spells out the fundamental concept thus: the believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the revealed Books and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Allah, for the kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the freeing of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity, to fulfil the contracts made; and to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity.

He noted that his representation has also carried the Muslims along assuring that as far as he remain in the House he will sustain his support and beyond as always to the people irrespective of religion.

NYG Delta 2024: LOC Chairman Commends SWAN, Describes Delta as Sports Industry

By: Michael Akintunde

Chairman , local Organizing committee, LOC , Solomon Ogba says he can confidently say the ongoing National youth games have been a successful one .

Ogba , In an interactive session with journalists at the media center of the Stephen keshi Stadium commended participating states and their athletes for their professionalism.

” I’m happy we’ve not recorded any form of unruly behavior and I’m sure we won’t record any , it’s a clear indication that what we are experiencing now is an improvement on what we had at the 7th edition”

He said the Delta state government will continue to strive to be at the forefront in developing sports in our dare nation .

Ogba, also commended 35 participating states including the federal capital territory who are always willing to compete .

On the issue of age cheats, the LOC chairman told journalists that a stakeholders meeting held will harmonize best ways in checking it .

He said in Delta state , Sports has become an industry that is thriving so very fast .

” Last year close to 70 athletes from Delta were privileged to access various scholarships in the United States through sports , it shows what we’ve been able to do over the years ”

Ogba, commended sports journalists for their professionalism in the report of the youth games .