…mandates Enabulele to begin work with organisers
By Henry Ebireri
The Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday expressed his administration’s readiness to host the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in February 2026.
He made the commitment when he received the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC to Government House, Benin City, stating that Edo State is not only ready to host a memorable and world-class festival,but also going to parade the best athletes that will bring glory to the state.
“You have chosen the right state. We have the strength;the infrastructure; the athletes, and we have what it takes to win.”
I will mandate the Sports Commission Chairman to work with the organisers and sponsors to organize a befitting Niger Delta Sports Festival, come February 2026.” Governor Okpebholo stated, adding that now that the festival Barton is given to Edo to host the nine states of the oil rich region,the state is pleased to work with NDDC.
The Governor also appealed to the NDDC for a partnership to rehabilitate the Agbor–Uromi Road, which he described as “not motorable,” stressing its socioeconomic importance.
NDDC MD, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku,in his address applauded the Governor’s giant strides in sports development and infrastructure, noting that the festival with the theme “Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents” has the youth as its target, including stronger regional collaboration and integration for even development.
The NDDC boss told the governor that the visit was to formally get the Governor’s nod for Edo State to host the forthcoming Niger Delta Games with the theme “Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents”.
He said though, Bayelsa State won the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival but however acknowledged the intimidating presence of team Edo at the games in Uyo.
According to him, the Niger Delta Sports Festival which first held in April this year in Uyo,Akwa Ibom State with over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta States, was designed to strengthen regional integration and collaboration,using sports as a veritable tool for national development.
In his closing remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission,Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele thanked the governor for his strong support and commitment to sports development in the state.
He assured the visitors that the culture and hospitality which Edo is known for will be on display during the festival in February 2026, with a promise to cooperate with the NDDC and Dunamis to organize a world standard Niger Delta Sports Festival.
Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq; Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gani Audu; Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Okogbe Donald; the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Sports Commission Mrs Efe Amenze and all the Executive Directors,Edo State Sports Commission among other invited guests.
The event will bring athletes from Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom,Cross River,Abia and other Niger Delta states.
