Niger Delta Games Torch Begins Nine-State Tour In Calabar

The Games Torch for the 2nd Niger Delta Games officially began its journey to Benin, Edo State, yesterday, commencing a nine-state tour from Calabar.

The Torch, a potent symbol of the Games, will traverse the capitals of all nine participating states within the Niger Delta region.

In Calabar, torchbearer Patience Okon George, accompanied by Sports Commission officials and athletes, led a procession from the U.J. Esuene Stadium to the Governor’s office. There, they were officially welcomed by the state’s Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, and Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, the organisers of the Games.

The colourful procession featured young men and women adorned in the renowned Calabar Carnival costumes, dancing vibrantly to local Efik melodies broadcast from loudspeakers mounted on trucks.

Deputy Governor Odey, representing Governor Bassey Otu, assured the state’s athletes of ample equipment and welfare support to ensure their success at the Games. He urged them to compete fairly and strive for victory across all sports.

Sir Ikpokpo commended the State Liaison Committee members for orchestrating an engaging Torch Tour, encouraging other states to devise their own distinctive tour events.

According to the schedule released by the organisers, Akwa Ibom State is the next destination for the Torch on February 10th. It will then continue to Abia on the 11th, Imo on the 12th, and Rivers State on February 13th. Bayelsa will host the Games Torch on February 14th, with Delta State receiving it on February 16th, before it proceeds to Ondo on the 18th.

The Games Torch will illuminate the cauldron at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, symbolising the official commencement of the Games on opening day. On the final day, it will be passed to the subsequent host state. The Niger Delta Games are organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited and generously sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).