Baskadia

by FRED EDOREH

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially inaugurated the organising committee for the upcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival, set to take place from April 1st to 5th, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

During the inauguration, Hon. Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, encouraged committee members to work diligently to ensure a successful and seamless event.

Daniel Igali, Chairman Niger Delta Sports Stakeholders Forum; Alabo Boma Iyaye, EDFA of NDDC and Chairman of the LOC; and Sir Itiako Ikpokpo Ksm, Chairman, Dunamis Icon Limited, Project Consultants of the Niger Delta Festival

He emphasised that the Niger Delta region has historically produced many outstanding individuals who have brought pride to the area. "You have been carefully selected because of your expertise and knowledge in sports development and the organisation of large competitions. This committee is responsible for planning and executing a successful event. The Niger Delta region has produced numerous athletes who have made our country proud, but there has been a gap in the development of such talents for some time. The NDDC aims to fill this void," he stated.

Representing the nine sports commissioners from the NDDC's mandated states present at the inauguration, Hon. Daniel Igali, the Commissioner of Sports for Bayelsa State, expressed gratitude to the commission for organising this inaugural sports festival in the region. "We commend the NDDC for this noble initiative. In the history of sports in Nigeria, we have never had a regional sports festival like this, which will elevate sports to an unprecedented level and provide an opportunity to develop our youth and reduce criminal activities in the region," he remarked.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo in 2025 is part of a series of events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the NDDC's establishment.