The Delta State commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has stated that he is not aware of any demotion involving Festus Ohwojero, the immediate past director-general of the Delta State Sports Commission, who has reportedly been reassigned from the position of executive assistant to Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports.
Concerns have been raised among some residents of Delta State regarding the perception that this change appears to be a selective punishment, particularly since the Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, who is also the Governor’s younger brother, has not faced any repercussions.
One commentator expressed, “If the governor wants to enforce performance standards, then sparing the Commission’s leadership weakens that message.”
The alleged punitive action was said to stem from Team Delta’s “below expectation” performance at the recently concluded 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), which the state hosted.
The disappointing results have been attributed to inadequate funding, late preparations, and insufficient athlete welfare.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had previously established an eight-member Local Organising Committee, led by Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, to oversee the crucial event, with former Commissioner for Sports, Chief Solomon Ogba, serving as an adviser.
In the competition, Team Lagos emerged victorious, securing 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals. Team Delta, which had won the previous eight editions of the Games, finished in second place, with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze medals.
Prior to the tournament, the Commission’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Franca Okonma, had issued a press statement expressing confidence that Delta State would retain its championship title, affirming, “Delta Sports Commission reaffirms its commitment to staging an event that will showcase Delta’s proven capacity for sports excellence and its leadership in grassroots talent development.”
