Edo State has begun to reap the benefits of hosting the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games, as organisers have completed major upgrades of sporting facilities designated for the competition in Benin City.
As was done in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of the maiden edition of the Games, the organisers, in partnership with the sponsor, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), fulfilled their commitment to rehabilitating and upgrading sports facilities in host states.
Significant rehabilitation works have been carried out at the Olympic-standard swimming pool at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, which measures 50 metres in length and 20 feet in depth. Renovation has also been completed at the tennis courts located beside the main stadium arena.
During the unveiling of Edo State as host on December 4, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, had assured Governor Monday Okpebholo of the commission’s commitment to upgrading sporting facilities to international standards.
“Your Excellency, let me assure you that, as part of our intervention policy, sporting facilities for the Games will be upgraded to meet international standards,” Ogbuku said at the event.
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This assurance was reaffirmed by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, organisers of the Games, during a recent inspection tour of the facilities.
“We have assessed the facilities that will host the competitions, and in a few weeks, there will be a major transformation of those that had deteriorated. This is part of the legacy the Games bring to host states,” Ikpokpo told journalists.
Other facilities renovated include the twin volleyball and basketball courts at the Wire Road Sports Centre, which have been equipped with new dressing rooms and conveniences.
The Niger Delta Games will feature athletes from the nine member states of the region—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Over 3,000 athletes and 500 coaches are expected to compete in 16 sporting events during the Games, scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27.
