Sports
Niger Delta Sports Festival Blasts Off in Akwa Ibom
The inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) commenced on Wednesday at the Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the Niger Delta region.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Shehu Dikko, declared the festival open, charging athletes to replicate the excitement of the opening ceremony in their performances.
The event drew a large crowd, including Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and other dignitaries. Despite a torrential downpour, over 10,000 people gathered at the stadium, singing and dancing in the rain to usher in the competition.
Governor Eno’s commitment to promoting sports and youth development was evident, as his administration has made conscious efforts to support the festival.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the initiative’s role in promoting unity and harnessing sports talents in the region.
The festival torch was lit by Olympian Enefiok Udo-Obong, supported by Festival Ambassadors Victor Ikpeba, Seun Ogunkoya, Paralympian Patience Igbiti, and Tamunosiki Atorudibo.
The event promises to leave a lasting legacy for Akwa Ibom, the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria as a whole
