Youth Games: The Gains of Governor AbdulRazaq’s Investment in Sports
By Olaide Ahli
Kwara State’s sterling performance at the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, where the state clinched 44 medals (15 Gold, 10 Silver, and 19 Bronze) to finish 5th overall, is more than a medal count — it is proof of a growing sports revolution in the state.
Competing in 25 sports, Kwara athletes mounted the podium in 19 disciplines, a remarkable feat that underlines the breadth and depth of the state’s sporting development.
Historic Firsts and Table-Topping Triumphs
Kwara didn’t just win medals; it dominated key sports, topping the national medal tables in Squash, Badminton, Para Athletics, Fives, Scrabble, and finishing second in Cycling.
In Squash, the state topped the medal table, with the girls’ team led by Aishat Abdulraheem, Loveth Balogun, and Khadijat Durosinlohun winning Gold, alongside two Gold medals in the boys’ singles from Usman Abdulsalam.
In Badminton, Adekunle Precious Gbotemi and Abdulmujeeb Sheu led the charge to a medal-table-topping performance with Gold in singles and mixed doubles.
Para Athletics also placed Kwara at the very top, thanks to stellar outings from Precious Olarewaju (Gold & Silver in F42-44 Shot Put) and Olorunsaiye Glory (two Gold in Deaf Girls’ 100m).
In Fives, Kwara showed dominance by clinching Gold in Doubles (Gaana Grace & Busayo Falana) and Silver in Singles (Gaana Grace), ensuring the state topped the event nationally.
In Scrabble, Kwara’s dominance was emphatic:
Gold in the Female Team Event (Olojoku Hadiyah, Abdullateef Aisha, Abdulsalam Fareedhat) Gold in the Male Team Event (Hassan Olamide Olojoku, Abdulsalam Yusuf, and Ali)
Silver in Boys’ Doubles (Abdulsalam Yusuf & Olojoku Hassan Olamide) Bronze in Singles (Olojoku Hassan Olamide). This medal haul placed Kwara firmly at the top of the Scrabble medal table.
Even more historic was the emergence of Kwara’s Yusuf Abdulsalam, a six-year-old Primary 1 pupil, who became both the youngest athlete and youngest medalist at Asaba 2025 after helping his state clinch a medal in Scrabble. His story symbolizes the depth of grassroots discovery and the future potential of Kwara’s sports revolution.
In Cycling, Abdulrasak Falilat made history as the first athlete to win Gold for Team Kwara in Asaba, and went on to secure two Gold medals, while Abdulmalik Atanda added one Gold and one Bronze in the male category. These results cemented Kwara’s 2nd position nationally in cycling.
Kwara also showed strength in other sports, winning medals in Darts, Shooting, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Para Powerlifting/Table Tennis.
A Reflection of Policy and Leadership
Kwara’s rise is not accidental. It reflects deliberate policy choices and sustained investment by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose commitment to youth empowerment, grassroots sports, and talent development has given young athletes a platform to shine nationally and internationally.
The Kwara State Sports Commission, under the stewardship of its Executive Chairman, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has provided the structure, technical guidance, and support that turned potential into podium finishes. Mogaji’s leadership, blending administrative strategy with grassroots connection, has been pivotal in driving Kwara’s athletes to new heights.
Beyond the Medals
While the 44 medals are tangible proof of success, the deeper story lies in the spirit of unity, resilience, and ambition displayed by Kwara’s youth. The Games became a platform where future stars were discovered — none more symbolic than six-year-old Yusuf Abdulsalam — and the state’s vision of making sports a tool for empowerment and economic growth was reinforced.
Looking Ahead
With this trajectory, Kwara is not just celebrating medals; it is laying the foundation for long-term sporting excellence. The combination of government vision, commission leadership, and raw youth talent makes the state a rising powerhouse in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
Kwara has shown that with clear leadership, investment, and belief in young people, grassroots sports can transform into national pride and international promise.