The Niger Delta region is set to make history as the Main Organising Committee (MOC) for the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival will be officially inaugurated on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) headquarters in Port Harcourt. This landmark event marks a significant step toward positioning the Niger Delta as a powerhouse for sports talent in Nigeria and beyond.
Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman of Project Consultant, Dunamis Icon and the visionary behind the festival, revealed that the MOC inauguration follows the successful setup of state liaison committees across the nine participating states. These committees are already operational, ensuring seamless coordination for local and state-level trials to select the best athletes for the festival.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to make this festival a resounding success,” Ikpokpo emphasized. “Facilities have been inspected, and work will begin this week to address any challenges. The NDDC is committed to making this festival a platform for discovering and nurturing world-class sports talent from the Niger Delta.”
The festival, scheduled to take place from April 1 to 9, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, will feature 17 sports disciplines. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has graciously accepted to host the event, further solidifying the region’s commitment to sports development.
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Leading the MOC is Alabo Boma Iyaye, a three-time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State and current Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the NDDC. Iyaye, alongside Ikpokpo, will co-chair the committee, ensuring the festival’s smooth execution and long-term impact.
“This festival is not just about competition; it’s about creating a legacy,” Ikpokpo added. “We want the world to know that the Niger Delta is ready to take on the responsibility of producing top-tier athletes for Nigeria. This is our opportunity to shine on the global stage.”
The Niger Delta Sports Festival is poised to become a transformative event, fostering unity, talent development, and regional pride. With state-of-the-art facilities, rigorous trials, and a clear vision, the NDDC is laying the groundwork for a brighter future in sports for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025 is more than just a sporting event—it’s a movement to unlock the region’s untapped potential. By investing in sports infrastructure and talent, the NDDC is creating opportunities for young athletes to excel while promoting the Niger Delta as a hub for excellence.
