The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to take sports in the region to the next level with the Niger Delta Sport Festival, after their strides in infrastructural development, the festival consultant, Itiako Ikpokpo has stated.
Ikpokpo said the event, which holds from April 1 to 8 with 3,000 athletes vying for honours in 17 sports, is meant to produce athletes who will go on to become global stars.
“Niger Delta used to produce most of Nigeria’s top athletes but today there’s a dearth of talents.
“The NDDC, after their huge strides in infrastructural development, agreed that it was time to give sports the focus it desired in the region to produce the desired talents in that area of our national life.
“Just like the NDDC is famed for their development of infrastructure in the region, we also want the world to know that the NDDC is ready to produce sports talents for the country.”
Speaking further, Ikpokpo noted that that athletes only aged between 16 and 25 and of Niger Delta heritage would be allowed to participate in the games.
“We want to achieve the purpose of starting the games, that is why we have fixed the athletes ages from 16 to 25. There are modalities to check age cheats and those caught will be disqualified and their states fined.
“Those who do well at the event should be able to attend competitions in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
According to the organizers, the event begins with local government area and state trials before athletes converge in Akwa Ibom, the host state, for the games proper.
The nine states competing at the games are Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Ondo, Abia and Imo.
The Main Organising Committee (MOC) for the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival will be inaugurated on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Ikpokpo, Chairman of Project Consultant Dunamis Icon and initiator of the festival, confirmed the inauguration follows the establishment of state liaison committees for the nine participating states.
Ikpokpo also stated that venue inspections have been completed, and work will begin this week to address any facility challenges.
The MOC will be chaired by Alabo Boma Iyaye, a former three-time Rivers State sports commissioner and current NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration. Ikpokpo will serve as co-chair of the committee.
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