……..Games Symbolise Possibilities, Says Okpebholo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s development cannot be complete without deliberate investment in sports, describing the sector as a strategic platform for talent discovery, peacebuilding and national unity.
The President made the assertion at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.
Represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, Tinubu emphasised that there can be no sustainable development without peace and unity, noting that sports remains one of the most potent instruments for fostering both.
According to him, the Niger Delta Games provide an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity while harnessing the strength, discipline and energy of young people in the region.
“The Niger Delta is a region of extraordinary cultural diversity united through sports, which remains one of the strongest instruments of peace and unity. Tribe, religion, social status and cultural differences do not matter on the field of play. What matters is discipline, teamwork and the collective goal of building a strong nation,” he said.
Tinubu added that the tournament would serve as a springboard for discovering and grooming young amateur athletes into national champions capable of representing Nigeria at international competitions.
Declaring the Games open, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said the event represents more than a sporting contest, describing it as a symbol of possibilities for the Niger Delta region.
“These Games represent more than competition; they symbolise possibilities. They are a powerful statement that the Niger Delta is not only defined by its resources, but also by its resilience, talent and boundless human potential,” the governor stated.
Okpebholo stressed that sports instil discipline, build character and break down social and cultural barriers, fostering teamwork and excellence.
“To our athletes, you are the pride of the Niger Delta. Compete with passion and integrity. Let your performance reflect the strength, courage and determination of our people,” he charged.
He commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for leveraging sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, regional integration and sustainable peace, noting that his administration readily accepted the offer to host the second edition of the Games with a commitment to deliver the best experience for participating youths.
The governor explained that the tournament aligns with his administration’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises sustainable youth development and structured engagement of the state’s youthful population.
Minister for Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, described the event as a celebration of youth, discipline and regional integration, reiterating that sports remains the strongest platform for unity and a deliberate strategy to steer young people away from social vices.
Similarly, Director-General of the National Institute of Sports and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, lauded the NDDC for sustaining the Games, noting that sports development under the Tinubu administration is receiving renewed attention to position Nigeria as a continental hub.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed that no fewer than 3,700 athletes and officials are participating in 16 sporting events at the second edition of the Games, urging governors of the nine Niger Delta states to continue supporting the initiative to produce future champions for Nigeria.
Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyare, in his welcome address, paid tribute to the late former Governor of the defunct Midwest State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, for laying the foundation for sports development in the region, noting that the Niger Delta continues to produce a significant percentage of Nigeria’s athletes competing at international level.
The ceremony drew top government officials, sports administrators and stakeholders from across the region, marking a vibrant start to the 2026 Niger Delta Games.
