President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the ongoing Niger Delta Sports Festival as the first of its kind; stating that it would harness the youth’s potential, promote unity and community development in the region.
He lauded the commission for prioritizing peace building, human capital and social interaction; assuring that the competition would boost grassroots sports development and complement the Federal Government’s structural reforms in the sports sector through the National Sports Commission.
The president who was represented by the Chairman of National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, at the opening ceremony of Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, observed that the NDDC’s foresight would create room for more participation and interest in sports among state governments in the region.
According to him: “Let me commend the Niger Delta Development Commission for its initiative in organising this laudable event aimed at bringing young sports talents from the region together. For this competition. I am convinced that this praiseworthy initiative will foster youth vdevelopment, promote peace, and contribute to economic growth, while also enhancing community development and security.
Moreso, he commended the Akwa Ibom state government for its continued support for the promotion and development of sports in the country.
Responding, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, declared that the next vedition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival was open for bidding.
He thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for hosting the first edition of the festival, which he described as superb.
He pleaded with other state governors in the Niger Delta region to consider positive partnership with the NDDC for the promotion of both economic and structural development of the area, as well as discovering youths and new talents who would replace the aging local, national and international stars in sporting events.
Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while presenting a goodwill message, declared that his state would be willing to host the festival in the future, even as he advised the NDDC to select hosting states in alphabetical order.
The Governor hinted that the support given to the commission by president Tinubu, brought the recorded achievements into fruition; praising NDDC for also prioritising peace building, human capital and social interaction.
In his description of sports as a vehicle for national development, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr.v Abubakar Momoh, revealed that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would have a profoundly positive impact on the region’s future; assuring the continuity of the programme in subsequent years, just as he encouraged the sportsmen and women to participate actively in the fiesta.
