The second edition of the Niger Delta Games began on Friday in Benin City, Edo State, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu describing sports as a strong tool for unity and empowerment.
The opening ceremony took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where Edo State showcased its rich culture through music, dance and colourful displays. The event attracted athletes, government officials and sports lovers from across the Niger Delta region.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, urged the organisers to invest more in youths and women. He said sports remain one of the most powerful tools known to mankind for bringing people together and giving young people a better future.
He commended the Niger Delta Development Commission for sustaining the games and for creating opportunities for young talents in the region. According to him, his administration is focused not only on building roads and bridges but also on developing human capital.
“The maiden edition showed that when government provides the platform, the youths will respond,” Tinubu said in his message. “Niger Delta youths are creative and ready to compete. Beyond medals and trophies, these games are about talent discovery. Nigeria must lead. Young talents must see sports as a pathway to a career and global recognition.”
He also tasked the NDDC to expand its programs and invest more in projects that empower youths and women across the nine Niger Delta states.
The Niger Delta region is made up of nine states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, Rivers and Abia. The region is known for its oil and gas resources, which contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy. However, it has also faced challenges such as environmental pollution, unemployment and youth restiveness.
Over the years, different governments have introduced programmes aimed at improving living conditions in the region. The NDDC was established in 2000 to drive development and address infrastructure gaps. In recent times, the commission has also focused on youth empowerment, including sports development.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the games were carefully designed to focus on amateur athletes. He explained that the commission decided not to allow professional or hired athletes from outside the states to take part.
“We found out that some state governments hire athletes from other states just to win gold medals,” Ogbuku said. “This competition is aimed at amateurs. From here, they can grow to become professionals. All athletes here are representing their own states. Let us use what we have to groom our talents.”
He described the games as part of the commission’s intervention in sports and youth development. He also called on state governors in the region to support and co-sponsor the event in future editions. For now, he said, the NDDC remains the sole sponsor.
“This competition has come to stay,” he added. “We believe state governments will join hands with us to sustain it.”
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, officially declared the games open and announced cash rewards for the best-performing states. He promised N20 million for the state that emerges overall winner and N10 million for the runner-up.
Okpebholo said the sporting festival represents more than just competition. According to him, it symbolises hope, unity and the hidden potential of the Niger Delta people.
“The games are a powerful statement that the Niger Delta is not only defined by its resources but also by its resilience, talent and human potential,” he said.
He noted that sports teach discipline, build character and remove barriers among people. He urged athletes to compete with passion and integrity, adding that they carry the dreams of millions of young people in the region.
“To our athletes: you are the pride of the Niger Delta. Let your performance reflect the strength and courage of our people,” the governor said.
He assured participants that Edo State would provide a safe and friendly environment throughout the seven-day event.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, was represented at the ceremony by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. In his message, Akpabio said the National Assembly would continue to support programmes that promote youth development and entrepreneurship.
He promised to work closely with the NDDC to drive development projects in the Niger Delta. He also encouraged the athletes to use the platform to showcase the true spirit of the region.
Sports have long played an important role in Nigeria’s history. From football to athletics and basketball, many Nigerian athletes have gained international recognition and brought pride to the country. Events like the Niger Delta Games are seen as grassroots efforts to discover the next generation of champions.
More than 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states are participating in the week-long competition. The games are being organised by Dunamis Icons and sponsored by the NDDC.
For many of the young participants, the event is more than a contest. It is an opportunity to be seen, to grow and possibly to begin a professional career in sports.
