Samuel Ogbuku, the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has called on governors of the nine Niger Delta states to partner with the commission in sponsoring the Niger Delta Games.
Ogbuku made the appeal at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, themed “Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents,” held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.
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He assured stakeholders that the Games would be sustained, noting that the NDDC is currently the sole sponsor but expects state governments to support the initiative to ensure its longevity.
“We found that some state governments recruit athletes from other states just to win medals. This competition is strictly for amateur athletes. From here, they can transition into professionals. All participants represent their respective states. Let us develop the talents we have,” Ogbuku said.
Platform for Grassroots Talent Development
He described the Games as a strategic sports intervention platform designed to discover and nurture grassroots talent across the region. According to him, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which he said creates opportunities for youth engagement and empowerment.
Representing the President at the event, John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, urged the NDDC to broaden its investment in youth- and women-focused programmes. He commended the commission for sustaining the Games and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to human capital development alongside infrastructure.
“Beyond medals and trophies, this is about talent discovery. Young Nigerians must see sport as a pathway to careers and global recognition,” he said.
Cash Rewards Announced for Winners
Monday Okpebholo, Edo State Governor, announced a N20 million reward for the overall winning state and N10 million for the first runner-up. He described the Games as a symbol of resilience and human potential in the Niger Delta.
Chairman of the Main Organising Committee and NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said the second edition builds on the success of the maiden Games held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 2025. He urged athletes to compete fairly and view the platform as a stepping stone to international competition.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, pledged continued legislative support for youth development initiatives.
More than 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states are competing in the seven-day event sponsored by the NDDC.
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