Uzodimma Sets Gold Standard as Niger Delta Games Torch Storms Owerri
Imo State officially ignited its campaign for glory at the 2nd Niger Delta Games as the Unity Torch arrived at Government House, Owerri on Thursday, with a clear mandate from Governor Hope Uzodimma — bring home gold.
The symbolic ceremony marked Imo’s formal entry into the countdown for the February 20–27 regional spectacle in Edo State. The Torch was received by Project Director Fred Edoreh from the Abia delegation and presented to the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha (Onowu), who in turn handed it to the governor, Distinguished Senator, Hope Uzodimma.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Nnamdi Anyaehie, the governor welcomed the Abia delegation, sports officials and athletes, describing the Games as a powerful vehicle for youth engagement and regional unity.
“Sports remain a potent vehicle for physical development, moral discipline and social cohesion. The Niger Delta Games provide a unifying platform to productively engage our vibrant youth population,” Anyaehie declared on behalf of the governor.
He commended Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission for sustaining the initiative and challenged Team Imo to raise the bar.
“To our athletes, intensify your preparations and return with laurels. The government stands firmly behind you and prays for your success,” he added.
Imo Sports Commissioner, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha (Onowu), echoed the sentiment, stressing the symbolic importance of the flame.
“The Torch of Unity has just left Imo State from Abia and now to Rivers State. The Torch signifies the unity among the nine Niger Delta States. It will end in Edo State to signify the start of the Niger Delta Games,” Onyeocha said.
He reaffirmed Imo’s readiness, noting that the state would compete in 16 sports, including football, volleyball, basketball, handball, taekwondo, table tennis and tennis.
Earlier, Edoreh disclosed that the Torch arrived in Imo from Abia, having begun its tour in Calabar, Cross River State, before moving through Akwa Ibom and Abia.
He noted that the tour signals the formal commencement of activities for the second edition of the Games across the nine Niger Delta states.
Receiving the Torch on behalf of the sports community, Onyeocha said officials of the Ministry of Sports, the State Sports Commission and athletes gathered to reaffirm Imo’s readiness for the competition.
Members of the State Liaison Committee, including Liaison Secretary Adm. Willie Okolieogwo, Director of Sports, Imo Sports Commission, Lady Justina Akpulo and Kennedy Onwunali, also expressed delight at the Torch’s arrival, praising the organisers for sustaining the regional initiative.
The Torch of Unity makes his way to Rivers State on Friday February 13th before Bayelsa State on February 14th. It will make further stops in Delta and Ondo States on February 16th and 18th in that order before its final stop in Benin City, Edo State.
At its final stop, the flame will light the cauldron at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, officially declaring the Games open in a celebration of unity, talent and excellence.
