Akwa Ibom State on Monday played host to the torch relay of the second Niger Delta Games, Edo 2026, as the symbolic flame arrived in Uyo amid colourful displays, cultural flair and a strong message of unity and sportsmanship.
The torch, emblematic of peace, strength and solidarity, is on a tour of the nine Niger Delta states ahead of the multi-sports event scheduled to hold in Edo State from February 20 to 27. Its journey began in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 9, before arriving in Akwa Ibom as the next stop.
Led by Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Edidiong Umoafia, the torch procession featured a blend of past and present Akwa Ibom sports stars.
The athletes marched from the Ministry of Sports headquarters to the Globe Roundabout along Wellington Bassey Way, where Governor Pastor Umo Eno received the torch in the company of top government officials, the Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, and senior officials of the Ministry of Sports.
Declaring the state’s readiness for the games, Governor Eno pledged Akwa Ibom’s full participation under the principles of fairness and healthy competition. Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, the governor commended Dunamis-Icon Limited, organisers of the games, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), sponsors of the event, for creating a platform to promote peace, unity and talent development across the region.
He noted that the theme of the games, “Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents,” underscored the need for Niger Delta leaders to look beyond natural resources and invest in human potential as a pathway to sustainable development.
“Today, I am happy to receive the torch of unity on behalf of our people, signifying our state’s readiness to participate in the second Niger Delta Games in Edo State,” the governor said.
“As I pass the torch back to the organisers for onward movement, I call on my brother governors in the region to embrace the ideals behind these games and support efforts to discover and nurture the immense sports talents in the Niger Delta.”
Earlier, the games consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, applauded the Akwa Ibom State liaison committee for what he described as a well-coordinated torch reception, assuring that all arrangements had been concluded to ensure a smooth and successful competition in Edo State.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the State Liaison Committee, Elder Paul Bassey, highlighted the far-reaching benefits of the games, praising the organisers for the professionalism brought to the event and commending the NDDC for its sustained support.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Anietie Peters, and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Eketette Ekanem, while the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, gave the vote of thanks.
The ceremony climaxed with the formal handover of the torch to officials of Abia State, the next destination on the relay tour.
After visiting the remaining states in the region, the torch will arrive at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, where it will remain lit throughout the games, from the opening ceremony on February 20 to the closing ceremony on February 26, before being passed on to the next host state of the annual championship.
Edidiong Stephen
