From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
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 to join in sponsoring the sports fiesta.
Ogbuku gave the assurance during the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer affirmed that the Commission was committed to the continued sponsorship of the games, noting that the sports festival was carefully crafted to target amateur athletes.
He added, “We found out that the state governments hire people from other states in the name of winning gold medals. This competition is aimed at the amateur athletes. From here, they will be professional. All athletes come from their respective states. Let us use what we have to groom our athletes.
“This opportunity could only be given by renewed hope. This competition has come to stay. This is part of our sports intervention. We welcome the governors’ support. The NDDC is the sole sponsor at the moment. We believe the state governments will support us to sustain the games.”
Ogbuku stated that the games were where raw talents are discovered, harnessed and brought to the limelight.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration gave the youths the opportunity to participate in the games.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, tasked the NDDC to expand its opportunities and invest in initiatives that empower the youths and women.
President Tinubu said sports remained an instrument of unity and empowerment known to mankind.
He also commended the NDDC for sustaining the initiative and said his administration prioritised human capital development alongside infrastructural development.
Tinubu stated: “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”.
In his address, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo announced a N20m reward for the state that emerged as the winner and a N10m reward for the runner-up.
He said the sporting event represented more than competition but symbolised possibilities.
According to him, “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.
The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, who is the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the Games, Alabo Boma Iyaye, stated that the 2nd edition of the games built on the success recorded at the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,
He urged the youths to compete fairly and use the opportunity to start their journey to the top of international competition.
The Senate President, Chief Goodswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyoung , said the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives for youth development and entrepreneurship.
He promised to work with the NDDC to drive development and charged the athletes to showcase the true spirit of the Niger Delta.
Over 3000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta States are participating in the seven-day event, which is sponsored by the NDDC.
