NDDC-Sponsored Niger Delta Games to Feature 17 Sports, Hold February 20–27 in Benin


By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 

The maiden edition of the Niger Delta Games (NDGs), sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will take place from February 20 to 27, 2026, featuring 17 sporting events, including football, alongside a cultural night to showcase the region’s heritage.

This was disclosed by Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman of Dunamis Icons Limited, organisers of the Games, during an interactive session with members of the Edo State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Benin City.

Ikpokpo explained that the Games are designed to promote grassroots sports development across the Niger Delta, stressing that only athletes who are indigenes of the participating states and not above 20 years of age would be eligible to compete.

According to him, sustainable sports development must begin at the local government level, urging states to deepen talent-hunt programmes within communities to discover and nurture young athletes.

“Grassroots sports start from the local governments. That is where the real talents are. If we are serious about sports development, we must deliberately take talent discovery to that level,” he said.

Ikpokpo also expressed concern over what he described as poor commitment by state governments to sports development, noting that budgetary allocations to sports across the federation remain grossly inadequate to drive meaningful growth.

“We must return to schools sports if we want to discover and groom future champions. What we allocate to sports today is far below what is required to uplift the sector,” he added.

He further argued that sports has failed to become a significant economic driver in Nigeria due to poor administration and weak governance structures.

“There is a need to elevate the national conversation around sports. Sports has not become a money spinner in Nigeria largely because of the way it is managed by administrators,” Ikpokpo stated.

The NDGs organiser also decried the prevalence of cheating and age falsification in Nigerian sports, describing it as a major setback to genuine talent development, and called for collective action to end the practice.

“It is shameful that cheating is allowed to thrive in our sports system. All stakeholders must work together to stop this trend,” he said.

On infrastructure, Ikpokpo urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to expand its choice of venues for international fixtures beyond the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, and consider the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, which he said meets international standards.

“The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is as good as Uyo and should be given the opportunity to host international matches,” he added

Popular posts from this blog

NBM of Africa Raises Alarm Over Child Abductions, Calls for Urgent Action Against Insecurity

Image
By Elvis Omoregie, Benin  The leadership of the NBM of Africa Worldwide has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of child abductions and worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the nation's future and overall development. In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Dr. Charles Chimezie, the Pan-African organisation condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers who abduct children and allegedly expose them to exploitation within criminal networks, describing the development as a direct attack on the country's collective future. The organisation's reaction comes amid increasing cases of kidnappings across various parts of the country, including the recent abduction of 45 teachers and students in Oyo State by suspected bandits, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools and vulnerable communities. According to Dr. Chimezie, every child taken away f...
Read more

Stop proposed Caretaker Committee inauguration, Edo assembly tells NLC president

Image
By  Elvis Omoregie, Benin  Edo State House of Assembly yesterday passed a resolution calling on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to shelve the proposed leadership change of the present NLC Exco in Edo State.  The resolution which a motion raised by the Majority leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu following reports of a planned inauguration of a caretaker committee in the state. Presenting the motion Hon. Ibhamawu, said there is a harmonious labour force devoid of strife under the leadership of  Comrade Bernard Eguakhide and that the  action of Joe Ajaero can cause bridge of peace in Edo State.  He said the change of the present Exco should be done at the end of their tenure to guarantee a peaceful and harmonious working environment.   Other lawmakers supported the motion stating that the proposed leadership change of the present Exco in Edo State should be put on hold in the Interest of peace and harmony. In...
Read more

Ologbo Traditional Leadership: Chief Iyase Rejects Purported Installation of Olare-Aja

Image
By Elvis Omoregie  The Okao Nore-Guae overseeing Ologbo, Ehor and Okhuoromi communities in Edo State, Chief Emma Iyase, has warned against what he described as efforts to establish a parallel traditional authority in Ologbo, rejecting the reported installation of Pa Johnson Obubu Itoto as the Olare-Aja of the community. Speaking on the development, Chief Iyase said the installation, reportedly carried out on May 30, 2026, was unknown to Benin customs and traditions and constituted a violation of the recognized traditional authority structure of the Benin Kingdom. According to him, Ologbo remains an integral part of the Benin traditional institution, and matters concerning traditional leadership, chieftaincy titles and community governance must align with the customs, laws and established practices of the kingdom. “Any installation conducted outside the recognised traditional structures and procedures cannot enjoy legitimacy within the community,” he stated. Chief Iyase ...
Read more