Sports Recorder | By Solomon OKPO
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to establish a sports institute in the region, following the successful hosting of the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the week-long event held at the Uyo Township Stadium. He said the proposed institute would help consolidate the gains of the festival and promote sustained sports development across the nine Niger Delta states.
“The festival is designed not just as a competition but as a long-term investment in the future of sports in the Niger Delta,” Ogbuku stated. “One of its key objectives is to establish a periodic sporting event that ensures continuous talent development. By identifying and nurturing young athletes, the NDDC aims to create opportunities for them to compete nationally and internationally.”
Dr. Ogbuku also emphasized that the festival served as a platform for unity and talent discovery, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes stakeholder engagement and youth development.
Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, who declared the festival closed, expressed gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the organising committee, and the participating athletes for their contributions to the event’s success.
In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, described the festival as a new dawn in the region’s sporting landscape.
“Eight days ago, we set out to create something memorable, and today, we can proudly say we succeeded. We have built lasting friendships and discovered over 500 talented athletes—men and women who can become champions,” Iyaye said.
He thanked President Tinubu and the Akwa Ibom State Government for their support and assured athletes of adequate compensation, while stressing the importance of mentoring discovered talents into future stars.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, represented by the Chairman of Uyo Local Government, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, congratulated all participants and urged them to remain committed to their craft. Similarly, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by Hon. Donald Ohorgbe, hailed the festival’s unifying impact and commended the NDDC for placing the region on the global sports map.
Team Bayelsa emerged overall champions of the festival, outperforming Delta and Edo States in a keenly contested sporting display that highlighted the region’s athletic potential.
