The inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival is poised to kick off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from April 1st to 8th, promising a vibrant showcase of athletic talent across the region. No fewer than 17 distinct sporting events will be featured, offering a diverse platform for competitors from the nine Niger Delta states.
The festival, a landmark event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will encompass a wide array of disciplines. Athletes will vie for honors in athletics, basketball, boxing, canoeing, chess, football, handball, para-athletics, para-powerlifting, scrabble, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling.
Speaking to reporters in Uyo on Tuesday, Itiako Ikpokpo, Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), emphasized the state’s readiness to host the multi-sport extravaganza.
“We are ready for the sports festival, and all the facilities will be ready in a week; equipment is coming in, and athletes are preparing. So, I can tell you confidently that we are very ready,” he stated.
Ikpokpo further confirmed that all nine Niger Delta states have expressed their commitment to participating, setting the stage for a competitive and engaging event. He also addressed concerns regarding safety and security, assuring athletes, officials, and fans that “adequate security arrangements have been put in place for their safety.”
The overwhelming interest in the festival is evident in the number of applications received. “We have over 15,000 entries, and we are only going to take about 3,000 entries. It is a competition where we want a sizable number that we can manage because it is the first edition,” Ikpokpo explained, highlighting the organizers’ focus on managing the event effectively.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the festival aims to nurture and develop athletic talent within the Niger Delta region. “It is not a competitive festival; we are using the festival to produce and develop athletes, and that’s why we pegged the age of 25 years for participants,” Ikpokpo clarified, emphasizing the developmental focus of the event. He also assured that comprehensive measures are in place to handle any emergency situations that may arise during the competition.
The organizers are optimistic that the festival will serve as a springboard for athletes to excel in future competitions. “We want to build gradually; we have programmes for everybody,” Ikpokpo added, outlining the long-term vision for sports development in the region.
Ikpokpo concluded with a call to action, urging the residents of Akwa Ibom and all Niger Delta states to turn out in large numbers to support and encourage the participating athletes. The inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of sportsmanship, talent, and regional unity.
