Tinubu Commends NDDC for Harnessing Sport as Vehicle for Empowerment
Uko Okon, Uyo
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Niger Niger Delta Development Commission for harnessing sports as a vehicle for empowerment and sustainable development.
Tinubu said this while declaring open the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival holding in Uyo on Wednesday.
The Sports festival organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is in commemoration of its 25th anniversary.
The President, represented by the Chairman, National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, described sports as a powerful tool for youth development and the economic growth of a nation.
“I commend the NDDC for their foresight in supporting this event.
Sports are not just about competition; they are powerful tools for youth development, community engagement, and economic growth.
“By investing in event of this magnitude, NDDC has reinforced its commitment to harness sports as a vehicle for empowerment, sustainable development and indeed deepening security within the region,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu, who commended the interventionist agency, said the development aligns with the federal government’s ongoing reforms for the sports sector.
The President applauded the Akwa Ibom Government for hosting the festival, saying the state has proven itself as a sports destination for international football.
In his remarks, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, stated that the region was not only endowed with natural resources but also possessed human potential for the nation’s development.
Momoh said that the festival has proven that the NDDC is not just known for infrastructure development but also for sports.
He said that sports teaches all values that are fundamental to building a prosperous society and tasked the athletes to see the festival as an opportunity to exhibit their talents.
“Today, we are here for sports activities which is an indication that NDDC is not only known for infrastructure development but also in the area of sports.
“This ocassion, of course is not another jamboree but it is a testament to the power of sports for regional development, promoting unity and drive econmic empowerment across our great nation.
“The Niger Delta region is vest in abundant talents not only in natural resources but in human potentials.
“Today, as we gathered to witness and celebrate the delegation like this, we are reminded that sports are more than just competition, it is a vehicle for national development, through discipline, perseverance and team work,” Momoh said.
The Minister added that the festival was not just about winning medals; it was about building a healthier population among young people.
In his goodwill message, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom urged the athletes to be disciplined and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the festival.
Eno tasked the Akwa Ibom contingents to showcase their talents and win laurels for the state, stressing that the state did not just host the festival but also wanted to win.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Iyaye, stated that the intervention in sports was based on the fact that sports transform human lives, society, and the economy.
Our correspondent reports the opening ceremony was characterised by cultural display by the nine states of the Niger Delta region and match pass by the athletes.
