Team Osun stole the spotlight on Friday evening during the official opening ceremony of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, as a three-year-old sensation wowed the crowd in unforgettable fashion.
The Osun contingent, clad in beautifully designed cultural outfits, drew loud cheers from spectators during the colorful March Past Ceremony. The highlight came when little Temiloluwa Joel Osho, just three years old, rode confidently on his bike at the front of the parade, symbolizing youthful energy, innocence, and the bright future of sports in Osun State. His electrifying presence instantly captivated the audience, making him one of the stars of the opening ceremony.
From the radiant smiles of the athletes to the rhythmic coordination of their parade, Team Osun projected unity, pride, and determination, signaling that they are not in Asaba merely to participate but to compete fiercely for medals.
The Games were declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, who reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to harnessing sports as a tool for unity, empowerment, and international recognition.
<span;>> “Fro
m these young athletes, tomorrow’s global stars will emerge. We will provide the structures, facilities, and policies to make them champions. Sports is not just a pastime—it is a unifier and a powerful force for national pride,” President Tinubu declared.
Host Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, warmly welcomed the contingents, stressing Delta’s pride in hosting the Games and its unshakable tradition of sporting excellence.
In his remarks, the Director-General, National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, underscored the significance of the Games in shaping the nation’s sporting future. According to him, the Youth Games remain the foundation for discovering podium athletes who later dominate at continental and global competitions.
“This is where the journey of greatness begins. Compete with heart, uphold fair play, and remember that you carry the hope of your states and the pride of the nation,” Olopade charged.
He added that the Commission under his leadership would intensify efforts to harness talents discovered at the Games through structured training programmes and international exposure.
“Our mission is to ensure that no raw talent is left behind. With sustained investment in youth sports, Nigeria will reclaim its pride of place in global competitions,” he declared.
The ceremony dazzled with cultural displays, a march past of 33 states and the FCT, and a thrilling musical performance by Afrobeats star Victor AD, who brought the stadium to its feet.
The symbolic oath-taking by athletes and officials, led by Obiagu Faith and Comrade Obioha George, further reinforced the Games’ spirit of unity and fair play.
Over the next ten days, Asaba will be the theatre of dreams as athletes compete across 37 sporting disciplines. With Delta chasing an unprecedented ninth consecutive crown, the spotlight also shines on states like Osun, whose vibrant and spirited outing at the opening ceremony set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable Games.
