FCT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT DRIVE REFLECTED IN NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES SUCCESS

By: Gyang Dakwo

The fresh focus on youth development under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, is already showing results. One clear sign came at the recently concluded 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, where young athletes from the Federal Capital Territory gave an impressive account of themselves.

The FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, said the performance reflected the supportive environment created by the administration. He explained that the territory has invested in both welfare and technical support for its athletes, and the outcome is beginning to show.

“Sports do not exist in isolation. What we see in the FCT is that while infrastructural projects are ongoing, attention is also being paid to young people and their future. The result in Asaba shows that when the environment is right, talent will thrive,” he said.

Team FCT finished 8th on the overall medals table with 33 medals, made up of 10 gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze. The medals came from Tennis, Abula, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Athletics, Taekwondo, Chess and Weightlifting.

Istifanus praised the FCT Administration for making sure the team’s welfare and technical needs were met before and during the games.

He also commended the reward system which was introduced, where medal winners received cash incentives. According to him, this lifted the morale of the athletes and pushed them to aim higher.

“It was a delight to see the smiles on the faces of the medal winners when they received their rewards. It gave them a sense of recognition and showed that their efforts were noticed,” he added.

In terms of kits and equipment, he confirmed that Team FCT was fully equipped with the best available.

The Sports Director pointed out that since Barr Wike assumed office, the team has been on a steady rise. At the last National Youth Games, the FCT finished 9th, and this year they moved up to 8th. A similar climb was recorded at the National Sports Festival, where they also stepped up from 9th to 8th.

“We are not resting on this achievement. The target is to keep climbing until we reach the top in national competitions,” he said.

However, Istifanus expressed concern about unhealthy practices that he said have robbed the competitions of their true purpose. He lamented cases of intimidation, poor officiating, and the way some states spend heavily to lure athletes from elsewhere, turning the games into a do-or-die affair.

“It is sad that such acts have taken over the games. States now spend money to recruit athletes from other states just to boost their medals table, rather than developing their own talents. FCT will not do that. We always make use of our local athletes,” he stressed.

Despite these setbacks, Istifanus said FCT athletes and officials remained disciplined throughout, which earned them respect as one of the most disciplined teams at the games.

He concluded that the FCT remains proud of its grassroots approach, where every athlete is discovered and nurtured within the territory.

“We do not believe in hiring mercenaries or poaching athletes from other states. Every medal we win is the product of hard work, patience and belief in our young people. We want to win fairly and we also want to lose fairly if it comes to that. That is how true sportsmanship is built,” he said.

With the continued support of the administration, Istifanus said the FCT will remain a strong force in grassroots sports and stand as an example of how sports can grow alongside other areas of development.