Shaibu, Enoh Applaud NDDC as Niger Delta Games Inspire New Sporting Dawn
Top federal officials have delivered powerful endorsements of the Niger Delta Games, praising the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for using sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, regional unity and economic diversification.
Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Sports and former Deputy Governor, Edo State, Philip Shaibu, speaking on behalf of the institute, congratulated the leadership of the NDDC for successfully staging the second edition of the Games.
“On behalf of the NIS, we want to congratulate the Chairman of the NDDC and its MD for this Games. It is the second edition and I know that with your sponsorship of these Games we are able to make Niger Delta states become sports havens in Nigeria,” Shaibu declared.
He stressed that sports remains a critical instrument for engaging young Nigerians productively and curbing insecurity.
“We are using sports as a means for youth engagement and economic diversification. Please, we need these Games to continue because with sports Nigerian youths will be engaged. With sports insecurity will be a thing of the past. The economic benefits of these Games can never be overemphasized,” he added.
Shaibu also credited the administration of President Bola Tinubu for ongoing reforms across the sporting landscape.
“We have never had it so good in sports until President Bola Tinubu came into power. Today every aspect of sports is undergoing reforms courtesy of the President,” he said.
Describing Edo State as the spiritual home of Nigerian sports, Shaibu expressed optimism about the competition’s outcome.
“We are in Edo State for another Niger Delta Games. Being the Heartbeat of Nigeria and the home of sports, it means sports is back to its native land and I can tell you new records would be broken in these Games.”
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Industries, John Enoh, spoke with pride and nostalgia at the opening ceremony held at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
“It is with joy and pride that I welcome you to the opening ceremony of the second Niger Delta Games holding in Benin City. It feels very nostalgic that this event is holding in a stadium that is named after the former Governor of the Midwest State who unarguably was one of the greatest champions of sports development in Nigeria, Samuel Ogbemudia,” he stated.
Enoh paid glowing tribute to Samuel Ogbemudia, acknowledging his foundational role in the region’s sporting excellence.
“We will forever celebrate Dr Samuel Ogbemudia for establishing the framework for the supremacy of the Niger Delta region in Nigerian sports,” he said, noting that the region continues to produce over 60 percent of Team Nigeria athletes at international competitions.
Highlighting the strategic vision behind the Games, Enoh recalled the Commission’s decision when the initiative was first proposed in 2024.
“When the Niger Delta Games was proposed by the NDDC in 2024, the leadership of the commission readily understood the importance of continuously oiling the mills of discovery and grooming Niger Delta athletes not just to sustain the dominance of the region but especially to nurture them into elite class athletes for the nation and also gainful career opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities.”
Reflecting on the success of the maiden edition in Uyo, he noted:
“Through the well structured athletes counting and mentorship programme of the Games, over 600 young talents were discovered. Not only have they been recommended to their states, many of them proceeded from the Niger Delta Games to win medals at the National Sports Festival, at African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships and other national and international competitions.”
He added that beyond talent discovery, infrastructure upgrades and sports equipment acquisition form part of the enduring legacy of the initiative.
“As it was in Uyo so it is in Benin City,” he affirmed, emphasizing improved access to sports facilities and the strengthening of bonds of unity among athletes and officials.
Addressing competitors directly, the Minister charged them:
“Our dear athletes, you are here again. You have been presented with an opportunity to showcase your God-given talent. I urge you to compete fair and square and seize the moment to start setting your journey to the top of international and gainful professional career in sports.”
