Sports
Niger Delta Games: Driving the Discovery of the Next Athletic Generation
Joel Ajayi
As the second edition of the Niger Delta Games enters Day-3 in Benin, Edo State, the Scouting Committee has said that it has a mission to identify the next generation of star sportsmen and women from the region.
Chairman of the committee, Godwin Enakhena and his team has been moving round the games venues from morning sessions till the close of the day, monitoring and liaising with the screening committee to ensure that the right athletes were scouted.
“We’re ready to help discover the next Blessing Oborodudu, Victor Ikpeba, Victor Osimhen, Nwankwo Kanu, Efe Ajagba, Enefiok Udo-Obong, Blessing Okagbare, Ese Brume etc for the Niger Delta region”, he asserted Sunday afternoon when he joined a group of former athletics stars at the track and field events at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday.
The line up of athletics greats includes Mary Onyali, Henry Amike, Gabriel Okon, Gabriel Opuama and Enefiok Udo-Obong among others.
“We are happy with the job done by the screening committee to ensure that true U-20s are the ones participating in Benin City.
“We’re going to be meticulous in beaming the searchlight on very talented younger athletes that are being showcased at the Games”, he said amidst the din of cheers that trailed the completion of the 400m hurdles final.
Enakhena recalled that at the last edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, 644 athletes were identified as having the potentials to thrive in the future.
He believes that there exists a possibility to exceed that number given that the states are beginning to embrace the vision of going to the grassroots to discover budding talents.
“To make this happen, we’ve put together experienced coaches and scouts. Blessing Oborududu leads wrestling scouts and Rolake Olagbegi-Kassim leads tennis. She was the first Nigerian female professional tennis player and the first to win Gold and Silver medals at the All-African Games. The longest serving NPFL player, Victor Ezeji will lead the football scouts, amongst others”, he disclosed.
The NDG has been programmed to provide a platform for states in the region to discover, test and nurture indigenous budding talents to become national and international champions.
The games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited led by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
Sports
Edemodu Felicitates With Hon Victor Ochei at 57, Applauds Transformational Leadership
Joel Ajayi
Renowned academic and media professional, Austin Edemodu, PhD, has paid glowing tribute to President of Tennis Federation of Nigeria Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei as he marks his 57th birthday anniversary, describing him as a distinguished leader whose life embodies service, excellence, and integrity.
In a heartfelt birthday message titled “OLIKEZE @57,” Edemodu joined family members, friends, associates, and the sporting community in celebrating a man he described as a shining testament to visionary leadership and national development.
He prayed for greater wisdom, abundant resources, and robust health for the former lawmaker, noting that his remarkable contributions to sports, politics, and philanthropy continue to make meaningful impact across sectors.
According to Edemodu, Ochei’s leadership journey reflects uncommon dedication, patriotism, and a deep commitment to public service. He described him as an epitome of good conscience, selflessness, and pragmatism qualities that have defined his career as a seasoned politician, accomplished engineer, lawyer, and legislator par excellence.
Highlighting his role in sports administration, Edemodu commended Ochei’s stewardship in tennis development, noting that under his guidance, the sport has witnessed renewed energy and purposeful direction. He emphasized that such progress reinforces the belief that transformative leadership is anchored on clarity of vision and courage of conviction.
On a personal note, Edemodu acknowledged that working with Ochei as a Media Assistant has significantly enriched his professional and intellectual growth. He praised his mentorship, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence, describing them as a constant source of inspiration.
He concluded by wishing the celebrant many more impactful and fulfilling years ahead, expressing confidence that the new chapter of his life would usher in even greater accomplishments and a lasting legacy.
“Happy Birthday, OLIKEZE,” he declared.
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