By Solomon OKPO
Organisers of the Niger Delta Games have lauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his sustained and strategic investment in sports development, describing his approach as a model worthy of emulation across Nigeria.
The commendation came during a one-day pre-games retreat held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the conference hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. The retreat was organised ahead of the 2026 Niger Delta Games and attracted key stakeholders from across the region.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Limited and lead consultant to the Niger Delta Games, Chief Itiako Ikpokpo, Atanaru of Irri Kingdom, praised Governor Eno for hosting what he described as one of the best sports festivals in the country. He noted that the Akwa Ibom Governor has demonstrated uncommon intentionality in talent discovery and youth development.
Chief Ikpokpo disclosed that Akwa Ibom State currently ranks highest among participating states in terms of organisation, preparation and scouting for the 2026 Niger Delta Games. According to him, the state’s performance and level of readiness have set a benchmark for others, especially following its successful hosting of a major sports festival shortly after the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Games.
He further explained that the 2026 edition of the Games is open to athletes aged 20 years who are duly registered on the DRM delegates registration system and are bona fide indigenes of their respective Niger Delta states.
The Dunamis Icon Limited boss urged state liaison secretaries to strictly comply with the rules guiding the competition, stressing the need for genuine grassroots and rural talent discovery rather than the engagement of mercenary athletes. He warned that any athlete found to have violated accreditation and screening requirements would be disqualified.
The pre-games retreat, facilitated by renowned scholar Dr Kalu Ukoha, featured interactive and learning sessions that addressed all critical aspects of the competition. Key deliberations focused on logistics, including arrivals, accreditation and screening, accommodation, security, feeding, medical services, facilities, as well as opening and closing ceremonies.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Council, Hon. Amadin Enabulele, welcomed participants to Edo State, describing the state as peaceful and fully prepared to host the 2026 Niger Delta Games. He described the Games as the biggest regional sports competition in Africa and assured stakeholders of Edo State’s readiness to host athletes and officials from February 20 to 27, 2026.
Also speaking, the Board Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chinedu Ebie, Esq., commended Dunamis Icon Limited, members of the Main and Local Organising Committees, as well as state liaison secretaries for their commitment to ensuring a successful and hitch-free competition.
Mr. Ebie stressed that the Niger Delta Games should serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing future sporting talents, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to youth development, talent discovery and sports excellence in the region. He noted that now in its second edition, the Games is positioned to deliver a world-class sporting event that reflects the NDDC’s dedication to empowering youths and promoting excellence across the Niger Delta.
The 2026 Niger Delta Games will hold in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27, 2026, across four designated centres. The event will feature 16 sports, with 2,430 athletes, 404 coaches, 394 officiating officials and nine Niger Delta states competing for honours.
Officials in attendance at the retreat included management and staff of Dunamis Icon Limited, committee chairmen, and state liaison secretaries from the nine Niger Delta states.
