President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for organising the Niger Delta Sports Festival, describing it as a groundbreaking initiative that will nurture young talent, promote unity, and drive community development in the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Tinubu, who was represented by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, commended the NDDC for bringing young athletes together.
He said: “I commend the Niger Delta Development Commission for this remarkable initiative. This competition will enhance youth development, promote peace, and contribute to economic growth while strengthening community development and security.”
The President highlighted that the festival would boost grassroots sports and align with the Federal Government’s ongoing sports sector reforms through the National Sports Commission.
He also acknowledged the NDDC’s efforts in encouraging greater participation in sports across the region and appreciated the Akwa Ibom State government for its continued support for sports development.
Future of the Festival
NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, announced that the next edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival would be open for bidding. He thanked Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for hosting the inaugural edition, calling it a great success.
Ogbuku urged other Niger Delta state governors to partner with the NDDC to promote economic and infrastructural development and to identify young sporting talents who could replace aging stars at local, national, and international levels.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed interest in hosting the festival in the future and suggested that the NDDC consider selecting host states in alphabetical order.
Aiyedatiwa credited the success of the NDDC’s initiatives to President Tinubu’s support and praised the commission for prioritising peacebuilding, human capital development, and social interaction.
Sports as a Tool for Development
Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, emphasised the role of sports in national development.
He said the festival showcased the region’s rich human resource potential and would have a lasting positive impact. He also assured that the programme would continue in future editions and encouraged athletes to give their best in the competition.