The torch for the 2nd Niger Delta Games was on Monday presented to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as organisers underscored the Games’ mission to discover and develop the abundant sporting talents across the region.
The torch was received at Government House, Asaba, by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, on behalf of the governor.
Presenting the torch, the Project Consultant and Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, said the Niger Delta Games was conceived to add value to young talents across the region who risk being wasted due to lack of exposure and structured opportunities.
He explained that the Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), are built on firm principles aimed at nurturing homegrown athletes rather than allowing them to seek opportunities outside the region.
According to him, the Niger Delta is blessed with abundant sporting talents across its states, stressing that the Games would provide a credible platform to identify, groom and project such talents to national and international prominence.
“We believe that athletes should not be pushed to other parts of the country because we have enough talents in each of our states in the Niger Delta region. The essence of this competition is to harness those talents and give them the opportunity to grow,” Ikpokpo said.
He disclosed that the Games would feature 16 different sports and attract over 4,000 athletes who are expected to converge on Benin for the competition.
He assured that adequate preparations had been made to ensure a smooth and successful event.
Ikpokpo emphasized that the championship is not primarily about winning medals but about discovering potentials that would make meaningful contributions to the states and the nation in the future.
“It is not about who comes first or who comes last. It is about the potential we see that will do well tomorrow for our state and our country. That is the purpose of these Games,” he added.
He recalled that the maiden edition of the Games was held in Uyo last year and expressed optimism that this year’s edition would consolidate on the gains recorded previously.
Ikpokpo appreciated the Delta State Government for its support, particularly through the leadership of the relevant commission, and expressed confidence that all participating states would compete in the spirit of unity and healthy rivalry.
Receiving the torch on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Onyeme commended the organisers for promoting youth development and regional integration through sports.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to initiatives that empower young people and strengthen unity across the Niger Delta.
The presentation of the Games torch marks a symbolic build-up to the 2nd Niger Delta Games, which organisers say will serve as a rallying point for sports development, talent discovery and sustained collaboration among states in the region.
