The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is positioning the Niger Delta Games as a long-term talent pipeline for Nigeria’s international sporting ambitions, with plans to groom athletes capable of competing at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and All Africa Games.
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Chairman of the NDDC Board, Chiedu Ebie, made this clear during a review retreat organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited for key stakeholders involved in the 2nd Niger Delta Games.
The session brought together members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) to assess past shortcomings and align strategies for future success.
Ebie said the NDDC Board intends to institutionalise the Games as a legacy project, stressing that consistent reviews and forward planning are critical to transforming the regional competition into a national talent conveyor belt.
“We want to make the Games our legacy project, such that there will come a time when athletes discovered at the Niger Delta Games will represent Nigeria at international events like the Olympics,” Ebie stated.
Commending the organisers, the former Secretary to the Delta State Government noted that structured evaluations are essential to closing operational gaps and raising standards.
In his welcome address, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, KSM, Managing Consultant at Dunamis-Icon Limited, explained that the retreat was the second review session following the maiden Games held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
“We are connecting the dots, asking hard questions and ensuring the next Games is richer, better organised and more impactful,” Ikpokpo said.
Also lending institutional backing, Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele, reaffirmed Edo State’s commitment to supporting the organisers to deliver a memorable second edition.
The 2nd Niger Delta Games will hold from February 20 to 27, featuring athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta region, as the NDDC sharpens its focus on youth development, sports excellence and international competitiveness.
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