The tour of the Niger Delta Sports Festival unity 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 organizers for keying into 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 highly skilled 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 9th of April, 2025.