Tinubu Commends NDDC For Inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, Hails Youth Development Initiative

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for organising the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, describing it as a ground-breaking initiative that will unleash the region’s youth potential, foster unity, and propel community development.

Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, delivered the President’s commendation at the festival’s opening ceremony in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“Let me congratulate the Niger Delta Development Commission for its initiative in organising this laudable event aimed at bringing young sports talents from the region together.”

Alhaji Dikko made the statement on behalf of President Tinubu. “I am confident that this commendable initiative will foster youth development, promote peace, and contribute to economic growth, all while improving community development and security.”

The President emphasised the festival’s potential to boost grassroots sports development and complement the Federal Government’s structural reforms in the sports sector, which are led by the National Sports Commission.

He also praised the NDDC’s foresight in encouraging increased participation and interest in sports among state governments in the region.

Akwa Ibom State was also recognised for its consistent commitment to the promotion and development of sports in the country.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, announced at the event that bidding for hosting the next Niger Delta Sports Festival was now open.

He thanked Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for hosting the inaugural festival, which he described as “superb.”

Dr. Ogbuku urged other Niger Delta state governors to form strong partnerships with the NDDC to support the region’s economic and structural development, as well as identify and nurture young talent to succeed current local, national, and international sports stars.

In his goodwill message, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State expressed his state’s interest in potentially hosting the festival in the future, recommending that the NDDC consider a hosting rotation organised alphabetically.

He attributed the NDDC’s success to President Bola Tinubu’s significant support, and he praised the Commission for focussing on peacekeeping, human capital development, and social interaction.

Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, emphasised the importance of sports as a tool for national development.

He emphasised the abundant human resource potential evident in the festival’s athlete assembly and assured participants that the programme would continue in future years, encouraging them to actively participate in the sports fiesta.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival is expected to have a significant positive impact on the region’s future.

The multi-sport event brings together athletes from across the Niger Delta to compete in a variety of disciplines, serving as a platform for talent discovery and regional collaboration.