L-R: Ifedayo Abegunde, NDDC Executive Director Corporate Services; Chiedu AB, Chairman NDDC Board, Dennis Idahosa, Deputy Governor of Edo State; Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC; and Patrick Esoweiren, Edo State representative on the NDDC Board, during the closing ceremony of the Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he wants to see a sports revolution in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. He thus commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sponsoring yet another edition of the Niger Delta Games.
He equally charged the Commission to continue investing in initiatives that empower youth and women through sports development.
President Tinubu expressed delight over the games at the closing ceremony of the Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State, where Team Edo emerged overall winners after defeating defending champions Bayelsa State. The Games have promoted a healthy sporting challenge in the region.
The President, who was represented by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade, described sports as a powerful tool for unity, empowerment and national development.
He said: “Sports is one of the greatest tools for national integration and youth empowerment. Beyond medals and trophies, this competition is about talent discovery, character building and creating pathways to global recognition for our youth.”
He commended NDDC for sustaining this initiative and said it is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
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According to the President, “We are committed to human capital development initiatives like the Niger Delta Games. We know that sports can be used as a strategic platform to empower youth and women, promote entrepreneurship and positively present Nigeria to the world.”
In his address, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo commended NDDC for organizing the world class sporting event.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy Dennis Idahosa, said: “Over the past week, the Niger Delta Games have demonstrated resilience, hard work and sportsmanship. The event has promoted unity and entrepreneurship. We thank the NDDC for giving us a memorable and world-class sporting experience.”
Announcing the conclusion of the Games, NDDC Board Chairman Chiedu AB commended the Edo State Government for collaborating with the NDDC to ensure a successful sports festival.
He expressed hope that the talents discovered at the Niger Delta Games will represent the country at international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and All-Africa Games.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, reiterated that the game was designed to turn amateur athletes into professionals, and assured stakeholders that the competition will remain.
He said, “Today, we are not just celebrating victory; we are celebrating excellence, discipline and hard work. We judge you not only by your performance in the game but also by your character. Don't rest after this success. Keep training, challenge yourself and believe in your abilities.”
Announcing the final results, Ogbuku declared: “At the end of this highly competitive festival, Edo State has emerged as the winner with 52 gold medals, 34 silver medals and 25 bronze medals with a total of 111 medals. Delta State finished as first runner-up with 102 medals, while Bayelsa recorded 79 medals to take third place.”
Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo states ranked fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth respectively.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NDDC, Boma Iyaye, who is the Chairman of the Chief Organizing Committee, expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the Games.
He said, “We are glad that this competition has brought unity among the states and the participants. Many talented athletes have been discovered here, and they will fly the flag of Niger Delta across the world.”
Iyaye paid tribute to the late Samuel Ogbemudia for “setting the framework for the dominance of the Niger Delta region in Nigerian sports,” which has continued to produce over 60 percent of Team Nigeria's athletes for international competitions.
According to NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Local Organizing Committee Chairman Solomon Ogba advised the athletes to maintain integrity. He advised: “Stay away from drugs and age fraud. True success comes from discipline, honesty and dedication to one's art.”
