The Managing Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, on Tuesday, stated that the recently concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) has revealed hidden talents in Niger Delta Region.
He spoke after at the end of the maiden edition of the sporting event organised by the NDDC and held in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
Ogbuku said the festival was an opportunity for people from the nine states of the region to compete against each other and discover champions, who will represent the region and country.
Ogbuku explained that the festival was part of the NDDC stakeholder’s engagement efforts, as directed by the President, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda. He added that the implementation of stakeholder engagement through the sports festival had brought peace and unity to the region.
“This platform has given you that opportunity to express yourself, and because this platform has given you that opportunity to express yourself.
Ogbuku said.
“It does not matter whether you come last but what is important is that they are athletes in those teams to be selected by scouts.
He commended the governors of the Niger Delta states for their support and sponsorship of their teams to participate in the maiden sports festival.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, congratulated the over 3,000 athletes who participated in the sports festival. Eno urged the organizers to nurture and sustain all the talents discovered during the event.
Represented by the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr Uwemediimo Udo, the governor said the theme of the one-week sports program, “Niger Delta: Beyond Oil,” was timely, as the region seeks alternative means of survival without crude oil.
Governor Eno congratulated the organizers and participants on a successful sports festival and reminded them that the event was not just about sports, but also about building connections, ideas, and good relationships.
“Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom is here in spirit, as he asked that I represent him at this event. Dr. Udo said.
“He has sent his best wishes to the organisers, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and all the participants.
“He has asked me to congratulate the organisers for a successful maiden sports festival organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“The governor has asked me to congratulate all participants and has asked me to remind all of you that you are all winners in your own right.
“He said I should inform you that nobody is a loser as far as this competition is concerned. He is also interested in nurturing the talents discovered during this event to ensure they achieve their utmost potential in their areas of specialty.”
Eno commended everyone who contributed to the success of the festival and for developing the state’s economy through sports.
He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for granting the NDDC approval to organize a world-class event and expressed confidence that the standard will continue to improve in future editions.
In terms of performance, Baesay State emerged as the overall winner, with 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze.
Delta State came second with 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze and Edo State came third with 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze respectively.
