The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has unveiled its 25th-anniversary logo and the mascot for the Niger Delta Sports Festival at a ceremony in Owerri, Imo State.

Host Governor, Hope Uzodinma, congratulated the NDDC on the milestone and expressed his delight at having the event held in Imo during his tenure as the state’s helmsman.

“I appreciate your decision to host this important event in Imo State even as I look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our people,” he stated.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who reeled off the accomplishments of the present NDDC board, announced that its 25th anniversary would feature a series of activities, including the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Ogbuku noted that the festival aims to promote regional integration and discover new sporting talents in the Niger Delta region.

In the same vein, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the unveiling ceremony, Alabo Boma Iyaye, stressed the need to build regional integration.

Co-chairman of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Itiako Ikpokpo, highlighted the level of preparedness for the competition, which is expected to feature no fewer than 4,000 athletes and coaches from nine states.

Nine festival ambassadors were introduced to the delight of the hundreds who attended the event.

They include Olympic gold medallists Victor Ikpeba and Emmanuel Amuneke, multiple continental wrestling champion Blessing Oborodudu, as well as two-time African sprint champion Seun Ogunkoya.

Other ambassadors include retired Super Falcons midfielder Efioanwan Ekpo, powerlifting icon Patience Igbiti, and former World Youth sprint champion Tamunosiki Atorubido.

Kanu Nwankwo and Enefiok Udo-Obong were also named as ambassadors for the sports fiesta.