Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development, peace, and regional integration through sports, as Delta State received the Torch of Unity for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games.
The governor made this known in Asaba on Monday while receiving the torch at the Delta State Government House.
Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, described the Torch of Unity as more than a ceremonial emblem, noting that it symbolises peace, unity, and the shared aspiration of the Niger Delta people to deploy sports as a catalyst for sustainable development.
According to him, Delta State is proud to be associated with the Niger Delta Games, which he said has evolved into a credible platform for discovering and grooming young sporting talents, encouraging healthy competition, and reinforcing brotherhood among states in the region.
He stressed that as preparations intensify for the games to be hosted in Benin City, sports remain one of the most effective tools for positively engaging young people, instilling discipline, nurturing teamwork, promoting excellence, and steering youths away from social vices.
The governor commended the organisers, Dunamis Icon Limited, for their vision and consistency, and also acknowledged the support of the Niger Delta Development Commission, whose sponsorship, he said, underscores its commitment to youth empowerment, peace, and unity across the Niger Delta.
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He assured all stakeholders of Delta State Government’s unwavering support towards the successful staging of the games and urged participating athletes to compete with determination, fairness, and true sportsmanship, reminding them that they would be ambassadors of hope, unity, and progress for the region.
Earlier, consultant to the Niger Delta Games, Hon. Itiako Malik Ikpokpo, said the initiative was designed to add value to indigenous talents in the Niger Delta, many of whom, he noted, had been neglected over the years.
Ikpokpo explained that the games would feature 16 sports, with over 4,000 athletes expected to participate, adding that the focus was not on winning medals alone but on identifying and harnessing potentials that could represent the region and the country in the future.
He recalled that the maiden edition of the games was held in Uyo, and expressed appreciation to host states and governments for their continued support as the festival moves to Edo State for its second edition.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, said the torch symbolised unity and collective purpose among Niger Delta states, adding that Delta State had concluded a transparent and merit-based selection process to ensure only the best athletes represent the state.
He disclosed that athletes were selected through grassroots trials at local government levels, followed by state trials and camping exercises, noting that Delta State would compete in all 16 sports at the festival.
The Torch of Unity presentation marked a key milestone ahead of the second Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, reinforcing sports as a unifying force and a pathway to youth empowerment in the Niger Delta region.
