Asaba – Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development and regional cohesion, assuring that Team Delta will be fully prepared for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games.
The Governor gave the assurance while receiving the Unity Torch of the Niger Delta Games during a brief ceremony at Government House, Asaba. Represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, Oborevwori said Delta State would continue to embrace partnerships and programmes that stimulate economic growth, peace and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the state has remained at the forefront of sports infrastructure development and the promotion of a vibrant sports culture capable of empowering youths, creating wealth and fostering a peaceful environment attractive to investors.
Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon, consultants to the Games, for providing a platform to discover young talents and project them to global relevance.
He described the Games as a unifying initiative that aligns with Delta’s vision of youth empowerment through sports.
Earlier, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, thanked the Governor for his sustained support and lauded the NDDC’s resolve to position the Niger Delta as a powerhouse of sports development in Nigeria. He assured that Team Delta would surpass its outing at the maiden edition, noting that athletes are already undergoing intensive preparations to challenge defending champions Bayelsa State.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Dunamis Icon and Chief Consultant to the Games, Sir Constantine Ikpokpo, said the Niger Delta Games were conceived to curb the poaching of talents while ensuring systematic discovery and development of athletes from the region. He added that all facilities for the Games were ready and urged participating states to strictly adhere to the rules.
The Unity Torch was subsequently handed over to NDDC representatives and Nigeria’s former swimming star, Blessing Forcados, for onward transmission to Ondo State.
The second Niger Delta Games will begin on February 19 with teams’ arrival, while the opening ceremony is scheduled for 5:30pm on Saturday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.