The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced the initiation of its first-ever Niger Delta Sports Festival, set to take place from April 1 to April 9 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This event aims to unearth and cultivate athletic talent within the region.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, highlighted that the festival is part of the Commission’s 25th anniversary celebrations and underscores its commitment to fostering new sporting stars.
“The maiden multi-sports festival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for the NDDC to discover and develop new talents while driving innovation in sports,” stated Thompson-Wakama.
The festival promises to be a vibrant showcase, involving thousands of young athletes hailing from the nine Niger Delta states and featuring over ten different sporting events, reminiscent of the Olympic Games.
“The aim of the festival is to assist states in discovering fresh talents and nurturing them into national and international stars,” she explained. “These athletes will also be guided towards pursuing professional sports careers to help them become independent.”
Thompson-Wakama emphasized that the NDDC is committed to establishing this festival as a recurring event, citing its potential to contribute to social transformation and regional advancement.
In collaboration with the governments of the nine Niger Delta states, the NDDC aims to enhance grassroots access to sports, rejuvenate the region’s competitive edge in national athletics, and promote unity, friendship, and security among the communities in the Niger Delta.
Through this initiative, the Commission aspires not only to identify athletic excellence but also to foster a sense of camaraderie and community across the region, reinforcing the importance of sports as a unifying force.
