The Niger Delta Sports Festival began with a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and athletic prowess. Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), officially declared the festival open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Keynote Address
Delivering a keynote address, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the presence of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, who represented the President at the event. He commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and all stakeholders involved in organizing the festival, specifically emphasizing its alignment with the RHINSE agenda—Renewed Hope in Nigeria for Sports Economy.
Launch of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Initiative
One of the festival’s major highlights was the launch of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Initiative, which aims to identify and nurture young talent by having promising athletes compete as the 38th state at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta. Notably, a healthy percentage of the athletes selected for the IJA initiative are participating in the Niger Delta Sports Festival, underscoring its role in grassroots sports development.
Distinguished Guests
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including the Executive Governors of Akwa Ibom and Ondo states, Umo Eno and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, respectively. The dignitaries included the Honourable Minister of the Niger Delta, Abubakar Momoh, and top stakeholders from the sporting fraternity.
The festival, which runs from April 1 to 8, features about 3,000 athletes and 500 officials competing in 17 sports. The event reflects the commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment, as envisioned by President Tinubu.
