The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, will host a Niger Delta sports festival from April 1-April 9 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, who is the Chairman of the Planning Committee said during the inauguration in Port Harcourt said the importance of a steering committee was to ensure the festival’s success.
He noted that the Niger Delta had produced many outstanding sportsmen and women that have brought pride to the region.
Iyaye told the committee, “You have been carefully selected because of your expertise and knowledge in sports development and the organisation of large competitions. This committee is responsible for planning and executing a successful event.
“The Niger Delta region has produced numerous athletes who have made our country proud, but there has been a gap in the development of such talents for some time. The NDDC aims to fill this void.”
The EDFA said the sports festival was being promoted as part of the commission’s 25 years anniversary celebrations.
“The success of this Festival depends on the involvement and expertise of the Planning Committee. You have been carefully selected as a result of your wealth of experience. We must ensure that this culminates in a successful Festival as its success solely depends on us and our determination to put in the necessary effort,” he said.
The Project Consultant, Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo, is the Co-Chairman of the Planning Committee. Bayelsa State Commissioner of Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, who spoke on behalf of the sports commissioners from NDDC states, expressed gratitude to the commission for organising the inaugural sports festival in the region.
He said, “We commend the NDDC for this noble initiative. In the history of sports in Nigeria, we have never had a regional sports festival like this, which will elevate sports to an unprecedented level and provide an opportunity to develop our youth and reduce criminal activities in the region.”
