Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has praised Team Delta athletes for their outstanding performances at the Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting sports development and nurturing elite athletes.
The governor particularly lauded sprint sensation Favour Ashe, who stole the spotlight by emerging as Nigeria’s fastest man following a remarkable display in the men’s 100 metres.
Ashe produced a career-best run of 9.93 seconds to clinch the national title, becoming the fastest Nigerian ever to win the championship and recording the quickest 100m time ever achieved on Nigerian soil.
The Delta-born sprinter, who was sponsored by the Delta State Government to participate in the trials, had earlier signalled his intent by clocking 9.98 seconds in the semi-finals before lowering the mark to 9.93 seconds in the final.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described Ashe’s achievement as a testament to the state’s sustained investment in sports and youth development.
He congratulated the athlete for bringing honour to both Delta State and Nigeria, while encouraging him to maintain his upward trajectory on the international stage.
The governor also commended other Team Delta athletes who delivered medal-winning performances during the championships.
Veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon-George claimed the women’s 400 metres title in 51.87 seconds, securing her fifth national crown and her first since 2021. Kudoro Taiwo finished as runner-up in the event.
In the men’s 400 metres, Johnson Tyler won gold with a time of 45.75 seconds, while Achakpoekiri Victory secured silver and Emmanuel Ojeli took bronze to complete a dominant showing by Team Delta.
Meanwhile, Divine Oladipo successfully defended her women’s shot put title, producing a winning throw of 16.90 metres.
Governor Oborevwori said the athletes’ performances reflected the strength of Delta State’s sports development programme and expressed confidence that they would continue to excel and make the state proud at future national and international competitions.
