The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, has expressed optimism that talents discovered at the Niger Delta Games will go on to represent Nigeria at international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and the All-Africa Games.
According to a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ebie made this known during a strategic retreat organised by the consultant for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon Limited, in Benin City, Edo State on January 25, 2026.
Ebie said the Board of the NDDC intends to make the Games a legacy project, noting that “there will come a time in the future when we can have athletes from the Niger Delta Games representing Nigeria at international events such as the Olympics.”
Addressing members of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee, the NDDC Chairman commended the leadership of Dunamis Icon Limited, stating that institutionalising the Games requires review sessions to ensure gaps are identified and closed.
He also commended the Edo State Government for its proactive sports development policies and expressed confidence that the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival would surpass expectations.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, reaffirmed Edo State’s readiness to host the festival. He praised the NDDC under Ebie’s leadership for sustaining the initiative, describing sports as a tool for unity, peace, and socio-economic development in the region.
Enabulele stated that Edo State had put facilities, logistics, and technical structures in place to ensure a smooth event, adding that the State Government was working closely with the NDDC and organisers to deliver a festival that would set new benchmarks in organisation, athlete welfare, and competitive excellence.
In his welcome address, the Managing Consultant at Dunamis Icon Limited, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, explained that the retreat was the second to be organised to review the past Games in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and correct identified weaknesses. “We are working to connect the dots, ask ourselves hard questions and see how we will organise a richer Games,” he said.
The second edition of the Niger Delta Games is scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27 for the nine states within the Niger Delta region.
