Niger Delta Games will nurture future Olympians, says NDDC chairman

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Chiedu Ebie, has expressed confidence that athletes discovered through the Niger Delta Games will go on to represent Nigeria at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and the All-Africa Games.

Ebie spoke in Benin City, Edo State, during a strategic retreat organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited, consultants for the 2nd Niger Delta Games. The retreat brought together members of the Main Organising Committee and Local Organising Committee to review preparations and fine-tune plans for the forthcoming event.

According to him, the NDDC is determined to institutionalise the Niger Delta Games as a long-term legacy project capable of producing elite athletes for the country.

“The Board of the NDDC wants to make the Games a legacy initiative, such that in the near future we will have athletes from the Niger Delta Games representing Nigeria at international competitions like the Olympics,” Ebie said.

He commended the decision to hold review sessions ahead of the Games, noting that such engagements were critical to closing gaps and improving overall organisation.

“When you want to institutionalise an event of this nature, you must constantly review it to ensure shortcomings are addressed and standards are raised,” he added.

Ebie also praised the Edo State Government for its commitment to sports development, expressing optimism that the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival would surpass expectations.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to host the Games, assuring stakeholders that all necessary facilities and logistics were in place.

He described sports as a powerful tool for unity, peace and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta, and commended the NDDC leadership for sustaining the initiative.

“The continued support of the NDDC shows a clear understanding of the long-term value of sports development in the region,” Enabulele said, adding that Edo State was working closely with the Commission and organisers to deliver a world-class festival.

In his welcome address, the Managing Consultant of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, said the retreat was the second of its kind, aimed at reviewing lessons from the maiden edition held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“We are connecting the dots, asking hard questions and identifying areas of improvement to organise a richer and better Games,” Ikpokpo explained.

The second edition of the Niger Delta Games is scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27, featuring athletes from the nine states that make up the Niger Delta region.