Sports

Ondo State Governor Aiyedatiwa receives NDSF Torch, lauds NDDC

Published

3 days ago

March 25, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) torch on Tuesday, made a stopover in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Receiving the torch at a colourful ceremony held at the Ondo state sports complex in Akure, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reiterated his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said the state has done everything necessary to ensure sports development takes the front burner in the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda of his administration.

“I must emphasize that we hold sporting activities very dear to our hearts in Ondo state. Our participation and performances in the various categories of sports festivals is a manifestation of our commitment to sports development.

“Ondo state is known for grassroots sports development, which is actually in sync with the concept of the Niger Delta Sports Festival. We have contributed immensely to the national pool of talents that are representing Nigeria at international competitions all over the world” the governor emphasized.

He commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for funding the festival which is in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu with regards to youth empowerment, saying “the state government will continue to accord sports the optimum recognition and encouragement it deserves”.

In his short remarks, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, who was represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde, said the festival will be an avenue to discover, and groom local talents, who will represent Nigeria at international competitions.

Chairman of the Ondo state liaison committee, Tolulope Adeyemi, revealed that the state will be represented by a contingent of 320 athletes and 60 dedicated coaches, who will be competing in 17 accredited sporting events at the games.

The maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival will take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, from the 1st to the 8th of April, 2025.

Share on Facebook

Sports

NDSF: Gov Eno lauds NDDC , Dangles Cash Rewards to State’s Athletes for Medals

Published

2 days ago

March 27, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Governor has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for organizing the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), noting that it will help boost and promote sports tourism in the region while also discovering talents for national and international competitions.

“This is a huge opportunity provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and I want to encourage everyone of you to take this seriously. From here, talents could be discovered for national and international competitions,” the governor said during a visit to the state’s athletes camp at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) in Ikot Ada Idem in Ibiono Ibom local government area.

The NDSF host state is also aiming to top the Medals table as the state Governor during the visit promised cash reward for podium finishers.

He made the promise when he addressed some athletes from the state during an unscheduled visit to the DASAC camp.

Eno said his administration remains committed to sports development and urged the athletes to reciprocate the gesture by making the state proud at the games, assuring that the government will reward all the medalists.

“We cannot host this event and don’t win medals, so for every Gold, Silver or Bronze medal, there will be reward. I will receive you immediately after the games and I will reward the winners.

Over 300 athletes will represent Akwa Ibom in 17 sports at the Niger Delta Games starting from April 1 to 9 across different centres in the state.

Share on Facebook