The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the Niger Delta Games will be sustained, urging state governments in the region to partner with the Commission in sponsoring the sports fiesta.
Ogbuku gave the assurance during the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer affirmed that the Commission remained committed to sponsoring the games, noting that the festival was carefully designed to target amateur athletes and groom them into professionals.
“We found out that some state governments hire people from other states in the name of winning gold medals. This competition is aimed at amateur athletes. From here, they will become professionals. All athletes come from their respective states. Let us use what we have to groom our athletes,” Ogbuku stated.
He added that the competition was part of the Commission’s sports intervention initiatives and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which he said created opportunities for youths across the region.
“This opportunity could only be given by renewed hope. This competition has come to stay. The NDDC is the sole sponsor at the moment, but we believe the state governments will support us to sustain the games,” he said.
Ogbuku emphasised that the games serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing raw talents, bringing them to the limelight and preparing them for greater exploits.
Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, tasked the NDDC to expand its investment in initiatives that empower youths and women.
According to the President, sports remain one of the greatest instruments of unity and empowerment known to mankind. He commended the NDDC for sustaining the initiative and reiterated his administration’s commitment to human capital development alongside infrastructure growth.
“Niger Delta youths are creative and ready to compete. Beyond medals and trophies, this game is about talent discovery. Nigeria must lead. Young talents must see sport as a pathway to career and global recognition,” the President stated.
In his address, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, announced a ₦20 million reward for the state that emerges overall winner and ₦10 million for the runner-up.
He described the sporting event as more than a competition, saying it symbolises possibilities for the region.
“The games are a powerful statement that the Niger Delta is not only defined by its resources, but also by its resilience, talent, and boundless human potential,” he said.
Also speaking, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that the second edition builds on the success of the maiden games held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He urged participants to compete fairly and maximise the opportunity as a stepping stone to international competitions.
The Senate President, Chief Goodswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, assured that the National Assembly would continue to support youth development and entrepreneurship initiatives. He pledged to collaborate with the NDDC to drive sustainable development and encouraged athletes to showcase the true spirit of the Niger Delta.
Over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states are participating in the seven-day event sponsored by the NDDC.
