The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has announced that the Commission will establish a sports institute aimed at consolidating the achievements of the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival and further advancing sports development across the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival, which was organised by the NDDC at the Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.
He observed that the sports event successfully brought together thousands of young athletes from the nine Niger Delta states, providing them with the opportunity to compete in a diverse range of sports, with the dual goals of fostering regional unity and identifying emerging sporting talents.
Ogbuku explained, “The festival is designed not just as a competition but as a long-term investment in the future of sports in the Niger Delta. One of its primary goals is to establish a recurring sporting event that guarantees the continuous development of talent. By identifying and nurturing young athletes, the NDDC aims to offer them the opportunity to compete both nationally and internationally.”
The NDDC Managing Director commended the athletes for their performances and reiterated the significance of engaging with key stakeholders, a fundamental aspect of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that sports festivals such as this were about more than just competition—they were about unity, development, and the identification of local talents who could go on to represent both the region and the nation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the organising committee, and all the athletes who contributed to the success of the event.
The NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, who also chaired the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, described the festival as the start of a new era in the sporting history of both the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.
He stated, “Eight days ago, we set out with the goal of creating something memorable, and today, we can proudly say we succeeded. We have forged lasting friendships and discovered over 500 talented athletes, both men and women, who have the potential to become champions. The real work now lies in mentoring them to become the next generation of super athletes.”
Iyaye extended his thanks to President Tinubu for prioritising sports development in the country and also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for their hospitality during the festival. He assured the athletes that they would be compensated fairly for their efforts.
“This festival has provided an invaluable opportunity for young people in our region to bond and create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. We are grateful that the NDDC has provided this platform,” he said.
“We take pride in the meticulous planning and execution of this event, but the true impact will be determined by how we nurture the talents discovered here into future champions,” he explained.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, congratulated all the participants and urged them to view themselves not as winners or losers but as part of a growing sports community. He encouraged them to build relationships and remain committed to developing their talents.
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by Hon. Donald Ohorgbe, also congratulated the athletes, praising the performance of the Edo State representatives. He commended the NDDC for showcasing the Niger Delta on the global stage and for bringing together young athletes from across the region through sports.
Team Bayelsa claimed top honours at the Niger Delta Sports Festival, surpassing rivals Delta and Edo States to emerge as the overall champions.
