The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched the first-ever Niger Delta Sports Festival in an effort to restore the region’s once-thriving sports culture. The event, scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1 to 9, will feature 3,000 athletes competing in 17 sports.
Recognised as Nigeria’s economic hub due to its oil and gas reserves, the Niger Delta spans nine states, including Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Abia, and Imo. While the region has been a major contributor to the country’s economy, it has also produced some of Nigeria’s greatest athletes, including boxing champions Dick Tiger and Hogan Bassey, Olympic gold medallist Chioma Ajunwa, and football legends Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha.
Despite its rich sporting history, the region has experienced a decline in talent development in recent years. Concerned by this trend, the NDDC has stepped in to revive sports as a tool for youth engagement, unity, and peace.
During an inspection of the festival venues, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, expressed satisfaction with the preparations. He reaffirmed the NDDC’s commitment to developing young athletes and improving sports infrastructure in the region.
“We want to show that the Niger Delta is not just about oil. That’s why the festival’s theme is ‘Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents,’” Iyaye said.
The competition will take place across several venues in Uyo, including the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, West Itam Sports Centre, Ultra Fit Sports Centre, Uyo Township Stadium swimming pool, and Cordelia Connely College.
To ensure the event focuses on talent discovery, only athletes aged 16 to 25 from the Niger Delta will be allowed to participate. Games consultant Itiako Ikpokpo explained that strict measures would be in place to prevent age cheating.
“The Niger Delta used to produce most of Nigeria’s top athletes, but today, there’s a decline in talent. The NDDC has made great strides in infrastructure, and now, it is time to invest in sports development,” Ikpokpo said.
A scouting and mentorship team led by Godwin Enakhena has been set up to identify promising athletes. The team includes experienced coaches such as Olympians Gabriel Okon and Anthony Konyegwachie for athletics and boxing, Rakiya Mohammed for volleyball, and football scout Paul Omonoma.
Media consultant for the festival, Aisha Falode, described the event as an opportunity to strengthen unity in the region while reviving its reputation as a sporting powerhouse.
“The Niger Delta has always been a hub for Nigerian sports talent. This festival will reaffirm that sports can unite and transform the region,” she said.
Ahead of the event, the festival torch has been on a tour of participating states, starting from Bayelsa and moving through Imo, Abia, and Cross River before reaching Akwa Ibom. In Imo State, former Super Eagles star Emmanuel Amuneke received the torch before it was handed over to Governor Hope Uzodimma.
With the festival set to commence in a few days, expectations are high that it will serve as a platform for discovering new talents and restoring the Niger Delta’s legacy in Nigerian sports.
