Niger Delta Games Torch Reaches Bayelsa, Delta As Edo Declares Readiness To Host

The excitement for the 2nd Niger Delta Games is building as the Unity Torch made its way through Bayelsa and Delta States on Monday. Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited and Lead Consultant for the Games, confidently declared that Edo State is almost entirely prepared to host the prestigious event.

“I’m confident to say that Edo is 98% ready,” Ikpokpo informed journalists. “The facilities that required upgrading have been meticulously worked on to the required standard, a collaborative effort with our esteemed sponsors, the NDDC. The accommodation for athletes is prepared, and the sporting venues are primed; we are simply awaiting the arrival of the competitors.”

Ikpokpo further elaborated on the stringent measures and guidelines implemented to prevent the contentious issue of ‘poaching’ athletes by participating states. He emphasised the core ethos of the Games: “The essence of these Games is not solely about securing victories, but crucially about discovering and nurturing nascent talents who can proudly represent the Niger Delta region and, indeed, our nation, Nigeria.”

He continued, “We have invested significant effort to ensure that states do not engage in athlete poaching and that all participating athletes fall within the stipulated age bracket. Furthermore, we are committed to a scenario where all competing athletes are genuine representatives of their respective states.” Regarding the state of the facilities, Ikpokpo reiterated their readiness and urged all participating states to strictly adhere to the established rules of the Games.

Following its reception in Delta State, the Unity Torch was ceremoniously handed over to Nigeria’s former swimming star, Blessing Forcados, for its onward journey to Ondo State.

In Bayelsa, Governor Duoye Diri, represented by the State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, extended profound gratitude to the Games organisers and sponsors for their commendable initiative. Receiving the Torch at a ceremony held at the Samson Siasia Complex, the Governor lauded the Games for positioning the Niger Delta region as a vanguard in sports development.

“Let me express our sincere thanks to the Niger Delta Development Commission and Dunamis Icon Limited for conceptualising these Games,” stated Governor Diri. “Through this initiative, they have propelled the Niger Delta States ahead of every other region in the country. We commend them for this vision and sincerely hope they will deliver an even grander and more successful event this time around.”

The lighting of the Festival Torch symbolises the unity and collective spirit of all the states within the Niger Delta region. The fundamental objective of any sporting event is to foster cohesion among participating states, athletes, and officials. It serves as a powerful instrument to cultivate a spirit of friendship and encourage healthy competition within a fair and equitable environment.

The 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games is scheduled to formally commence on Friday, 20th February, with the closing ceremony slated for Thursday, 26th February. Sir Itiako Ikpokpo was pictured addressing the Delta State Torch reception team in Asaba on Monday.