By Segun Giwa
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says the Niger Delta Games remains a strong platform for discovering and nurturing talents as well as fostering friendship among the nine participating states.
Aiyedatiwa said this on Wednesday in Akure after receiving the Niger Delta Games Torch of Unity at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The governor said sports had consistently proven to be a unifying force across ethnic, cultural and political boundaries.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi, said the torch symbolises the readiness of the Niger Delta to showcase its talents, compete with honour and inspire the youth.
“As the torch begins its journey from Ondo State and beyond, it carries with it the message that the Niger Delta is ready to showcase its talents, ready to compete with honour and ready to inspire.
“It also reminds our youths that sports is not only about winning medals and trophies, but about discipline, purpose and a pathway to greatness,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s support for the 2026 Niger Delta Games, assuring the state would continue to provide an enabling environment for athletes to train and excel.
Aiyedatiwa commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), consultant in charge of the state liaison committee, and other stakeholders for their roles in making the event possible.
Also speaking, a representative of the Dunamis Icon Project and member of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Frank Ilaboya, commended the Ondo State liaison committee for its contribution to the movement of the Torch of Unity.
Ilaboya said the Niger Delta Games was designed to discover talents at the grassroots level, adding that outstanding athletes would be supported through improved training opportunities.
“Outstanding athletes from the competition will be empowered through enhanced training opportunities. The future is very bright for any exceptional athlete at the Niger Delta Games,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 270 athletes and 46 coaches will represent the state at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games scheduled to hold in Edo from Feb. 20 to Feb. 27.
(NAN)
