Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Alabo Boma Iyaye, has charged the organising committees of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, to use the games in setting a benchmark for sports festivals across the country.
Speaking during the inauguration of two committees at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Iyaye, who also serves as the chairman of the main organising committee, emphasized that the festival should be a model for other regions to follow.
“This festival is the first intervention in sports by the NDDC as we mark our 25th anniversary. It is aimed at providing a platform for youths across the nine mandate states to engage their minds and counter delinquent behaviors,” Iyaye explained.
Read Also: NDDC inaugurates organizing committee for Niger Delta Sports Festival
He added that the region had historically produced over 60 percent of Nigeria’s athletes at international sports events, observing that there has been a decline in this trend in recent years.
Iyaye reiterated that the NDDC is committed to reversing this decline, by fully supporting the festival, giving young people in the region the opportunity to showcase their talents and develop their skills.
He assured the sports commissioners from the nine member states, who attended the event that the NDDC will continue to back the festival in subsequent editions, to ensure it sustains the drive for talent discovery and development.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, lauded the initiative, noting that the festival will help restore the region’s position as a leader in producing champions for the country’s sports teams across various disciplines.
Co-Chairman of the main organising committee, Itiako Ikpokpo, also assured that the festival was on track to exceed expectations.
“We are at a crucial stage in implementing the festival plans. Facilities are being renovated and upgraded, and all members are fully committed to ensuring that the festival is a resounding success with exceptional organization,” Ikpokpo said.
The festival scheduled to take place from April 1-9 in Akwa Ibom State, will feature over 3, 000 athletes, 600 coaches, and 500 officiating officials competing in 17 select sports.
The main organising committee comprises the nine commissioners of sports from oil-producing states, NDDC management staff, a representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC), and consultants from Dunamis Icon.
