The Commissioners for Sports and Chairpersons of Sports Commissions in the nine states under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have expressed strong support for the commission’s creation of the Niger Delta Sports Festival. They believe the festival will significantly benefit both sports and human capital development across the region.

During a stakeholders meeting held on Friday, January 31, at the NDDC Headquarters, the delegates collectively lauded the NDDC’s intervention in the region’s sports sector, especially the festival, which they hailed as one of the most impactful initiatives for regional sports development.

The meeting was led by Alabo Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at NDDC and Chairman of the Planning Committee. Iyaye, also a former Commissioner for Sports in Rivers State, explained that the project was conceived with the recognition that while the Niger Delta produces a significant percentage of Nigeria’s top athletes, there is an urgent need to sustain and support their growth to improve the region’s and nation’s sports outcomes. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

"We have been working closely with Dunamis Icon Limited, the Project Consultants, for several months, and after reaching major milestones, this meeting was organized to ensure full alignment with state sports commissioners and stakeholders," Iyaye said.

He highlighted the importance of partnering with states to discover and nurture local sports talent, creating national and international stars while tapping into the global sports economy. Despite the funding challenges faced by state governments due to other competing priorities, Iyaye noted that the Niger Delta's contribution to Nigeria's elite athletes is vital to the country's sports success.

As the NDDC marks its 25th anniversary, the festival has been introduced as a platform to allow young athletes to showcase their talents. The event will also focus on grassroots sports development, with selection trials beginning at the local government and federal constituency levels.

State sports commissioners across the NDDC's mandate states expressed their full commitment to the festival and requested that it become an annual event. Notable supporters included Rivers and Cross River States' Sports Commissioners, Barrister Chris Green and Mrs. Agnes Atsu, who both described the festival as a divine answer to regional sports development challenges.

Representatives from other states, including Bayelsa, Imo, Edo, Abia, Delta, and Ondo, were also present. The Project Consultants, led by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo Ksm, shared detailed plans, including Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as the host city for the festival’s inaugural edition. The event will take place from April 1 to 9, and will feature a wide range of competitions, including traditional wrestling, athletics, basketball, boxing, canoeing, chess, football, handball, para-athletics, scrabble, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, and weightlifting.