UYO, Team Akwa Ibom has commenced full camping activities ahead of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold in Edo State from February 20 to 27.
More than 270 athletes and 46 coaches drawn from 16 sports associations assembled at Uyo Township Stadium on Tuesday morning before being transported to the state’s permanent orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, for accreditation and check-in.
The delegation began the day with breakfast at the stadium around 7 a.m. before boarding air-conditioned coaster buses to the camp. On arrival, athletes and officials were issued camp kits including mattresses, buckets, grocery packs, and meal tickets. Lunch, jollof rice and fried chicken was served shortly after, signaling what officials described as a well-coordinated and athlete-focused camping arrangement.
Chairman of the State Liaison Committee and Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, said the closed camping was designed to sharpen competitive readiness and strengthen team spirit before departure.
According to him, the short but intensive camp, scheduled for February 17 to 18, will focus on physical conditioning, tactical drills, and team bonding.
“Our athletes have undergone screening and re-screening to ensure that only qualified competitors will represent the state,” Bassey stated. “They will depart directly from camp to Edo on February 19. All logistics and welfare provisions have been fully arranged in line with competition guidelines.”
The games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission and organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited, will be staged under the theme,
“Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents.”
With preparations now in top gear, Team Akwa Ibom appears determined to make a strong statement at the regional multi-sport event, reinforcing the state’s growing reputation as a formidable force in grassroots and elite sports development.
