Niger Delta Games: Abia, Imo Intensify Preparation As Delta Hosts Coaches’ Summit

State Liaison Committees for the Niger Delta Games in Abia and Imo have already begun operations prior to their official inauguration on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Delta State held a working session with the 17 sports disciplines to be contested in the second edition of the games, scheduled to take place in Benin, Edo State, from 20 to 27 February 2026.

Harrison Ocholor, Secretary of the Delta State Liaison Committee, met with the coaches on Tuesday, urging them to ensure that only the best athletes are selected to represent the state through a fair and competitive trial process.

Ocholor informed the coaches that the organisers of the Games, Dunamis Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have made every effort to ensure that the talent selection process adheres to established rules and regulations.

He encouraged them to thoroughly review and effectively utilise the technical booklet for the games, which was distributed to each coach during the meeting.

In Abia State, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, inaugurated the State Liaison Committee and tasked them with overseeing all schedules for the games, from athlete registration to local government and state trials.

Represented by Project Director Fred Edoreh, Ikpokpo emphasised the importance of complying with the regulations established for the games, warning that “age cheating and failure to present the required number of athletes for each sport will result in disqualification of any offending state.”

Hon Ananaba Nwaobilor, Abia State Commissioner for Sports, assured the organisers and sponsors of the Niger Delta Games that the state is fully committed to the objectives, rules, and regulations of the event and would go the extra mile to uphold them throughout the 2nd Niger Delta Games.

Speaking at the Aba Sports Club, Nwaobilor described the games as an essential part of the state government’s initiative under Governor Alex Otti to utilise sports as a means to empower talented youths in Abia State.

Represented at the ceremony by Comrade Obioma George, State Director of Sports, Nwaobilor stated, “Abia State is a strong believer in the objectives, rules, and regulations of the Niger Delta Games. Our goal is to provide access to sports across all communities in Abia State, discover and nurture young talents, and empower them toward successful careers in sports. We thank the sponsors, the NDDC, and the Project Consultants, led by Sir Malik Ikpokpo, for initiating the Niger Delta Games.”

The Abia State Liaison Committee for the 2nd Niger Delta Games is chaired by Commissioner Nwaobilor, with Hon Onyebuchi Chukwu as Secretary. Other members include Comrade Obioma George, Director of Sports, and Kingsley Kanu, interim Chairman of SWAN in Abia State.

In Owerri, the Imo State Liaison Committee was inaugurated at the office of the Imo State Commissioner for Sports. Ikpokpo, the Atanaru of Irri Kingdom, underscored the importance of age limits for athletes and urged committee members to ensure timely registration and massive mobilisation of athletes on the Games’ official portal, stressing that only properly registered athletes would be allowed to compete. Ikpokpo was again represented by Edoreh, the Project Director.

Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, commended the NDDC and Dunamis Icon Limited for initiating and maintaining the Games for two consecutive years, describing the championship as a credible platform for talent discovery and development in the region.

Hon. Onyeocha noted that the Niger Delta Games align perfectly with the sports development vision of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, assuring that Imo State is fully prepared to participate and comply with all competition rules and regulations.

“It is the mandate of His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, for us to explore grassroots talent, and these Games will assist us in achieving that,” Onyeocha stated.

“On behalf of the committee, I assure you that we will insist on quality, thoroughness, discipline, and complete compliance.”

The Imo State Liaison Committee is chaired by Onyeocha, with Hon. Willie Okolieogwo serving as Secretary. Other members include Lady Justina Akpulo, Director of Sports, and Kennedy Onwunali.