The maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), which is aimed at the development of talents in the region and is part of the series of events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission's (NDDC) establishment, is set to take place from Tuesday, April 1, to Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

As part of ensuring robust preparation and the smooth execution of the event, the NDDC has officially inaugurated in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the organising committee for the upcoming sports festival.

Members of the NDSF Organising Committee are Alabo Boma Iyaye, Chairman, EDFA, NDDC; Itiako Ikpokpo, Co-Chairman, Project Consultant; Davies Okarevu, NDDC; Barr. Salami Okogie, NDDC; Barr. Victor Arenyeka, NDDC; Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC; Allwell Egwurugu, NDDC.

Others are Onome Obruthe, Dunamis Icon; Ono K. Akpe, Dunamis Icon; Enefiok Udo-Obong, Dunamis Icon; Dr Ochuko Igbigbisie, Dunamis Icon; Hon Fred Edoreh, Dunamis Icon; Lady Rose Nsa Bassey, Host State, Akwa Ibom; Mr Paul Bassey, Akwa Ibom State; Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State; Barr Chris Green, Rivers State; Hon Obinna Onyeocha, Imo State; Mrs Agnes Atsu, Cross River State; Hon Nwaobilor Ananaba, Abia State; Hon Onoriode Oborevwori, Delta State; Hon Desmond Enabulele, Edo State; and Mrs Titi Adeyemi, Ondo State.

During the inauguration, Hon. Alabo Boma Iyaye, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration encouraged committee members to work diligently to ensure a successful and seamless event. 

Hon. Alabo emphasised that the Niger Delta region has historically produced many outstanding individuals who have brought pride to the oil-rich area.

He said, "You have been carefully selected because of your expertise and knowledge in sports development and the organisation of large competitions. This committee is responsible for planning and executing a successful event.

"The Niger Delta region has produced numerous athletes who have made our country proud, but there has been a gap in the development of such talents for some time. The NDDC aims to fill this void," he stated.

Representing the nine sports commissioners from the NDDC's mandated states present at the inauguration, Hon. Daniel Igali, the Commissioner of Sports for Bayelsa State, expressed gratitude to the commission for organising the inaugural sports festival in the region. 

"We commend the NDDC for this noble initiative. In the history of sports in Nigeria, we have never had a regional sports festival like this, which will elevate sports to an unprecedented level and provide an opportunity to develop our youth and reduce criminal activities in the region," Hon. Igali remarked.

Meanwhile, the heads of Local Organising Sub Committees are Mr. Enefiok Udo-Ubong, Technical; Engr Evong Moduck Evong, Accommodation; Mr Isreal Ummerri, Transportation; Dr George Uzonwanne, Medical Services; Mr Edgar Okpozo, Security Services; Mr. Kufre Etukudo, Facilities/Equipment; Chinyere Clara Braide, Protocol Services; Mrs Inyang Etim Udoh, Catering Services; Mr Richard Mofe Damijo, Cultural Expo; Mr. Harrison Iwuala Harrison, Media / Publicity; Mr. Godwin Enakhena, Scouting and Mentorship Programmes; and Dr. Eyibrayila Ladi Awofeso, Secretariat Services.

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