Baskadia

BY ETTAH EMMANUEL O. The youth of Cross River State’s Northern and Central Senatorial Districts eagerly participated in a talent search aimed at selecting athletes for the highly anticipated 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival. Led by Mr. Ekanem Ekpenyong, the Special Adviser (SA) for Sports Development, the initiative sought to identify promising athletes who would represent the state at the festival, set to take place from April 1st to 9th in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Under the leadership of His Excellency, Apostle Sen. Prince Otu, and the guidance of Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Cross River State has fostered an environment that allows athletes to thrive. The selection process was officially launched by the Commissioner, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), while Mr. Ekpenyong, as the Chairman of the Technical Subcommittee, led the charge in scouting for talent.

Mr. Ekpenyong and his team visited the towns of Ogoja and Ikom, where hundreds of young athletes competed in trials across various sports disciplines. The event was a joint effort between the Cross River State Ministry of Sports Development and the Cross River State Sports Commission, aimed at unearthing the most talented athletes to represent the state at the prestigious festival.

In his remarks, Mr. Ekpenyong emphasized that the selection process was purely merit-based. "Those selected during this exercise have truly earned their place," he stated. "The final athletes will be chosen in Calabar during the grand finale of the selection process, after which they will represent Cross River State in Uyo."

The selection event not only provided a platform for local athletes to showcase their talents but also offered them an opportunity to participate in a larger regional competition that could boost their careers. Many athletes expressed their gratitude to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for supporting the event, recognizing it as a valuable opportunity to present their skills on a broader stage.

With the enthusiasm and commitment shown by both the athletes and organizers, Cross River State is well on its way to making a significant impact at the 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival. The next phase of the selection process will culminate in a grand finale in Calabar, where the final team will be chosen to represent the state in Uyo. This initiative marks an important step in the development and promotion of sports talent in the region.