Governor Eno emphasized the role of sports in fostering unity and strengthening ties among the states in the Niger Delta region. He also extended appreciation to the NDDC for choosing Akwa Ibom as the venue for the landmark sporting event.
Uyo, Nigeria – Akwa Ibom State has been selected to host the inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, scheduled to take place from April 1 to 8, 2025.
Governor Umo Eno made this announcement on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and his delegation in Uyo. He expressed the state’s commitment to ensuring a successful and well-organized event.
Governor Eno emphasized the role of sports in fostering unity and strengthening ties among the states in the Niger Delta region. He also extended appreciation to the NDDC for choosing Akwa Ibom as the venue for the landmark sporting event.
“As a state, we will set up a dedicated team to collaborate with the NDDC to drive the planning and execution of the festival,” he assured. “Beyond promoting unity, the festival will also serve as a platform for discovering new sporting talents and boosting the local economy.”
Dr. Ogbuku, in his remarks, highlighted the significance of the festival, stating that the event was part of the commission’s broader efforts to unite the region and harness its rich sports potential.
“The Niger Delta is diverse, but we share common interests, and sports provide an avenue to celebrate this diversity,” he said. “We are committed to not only infrastructural development but also fostering talent and collaboration in the region.”
He further explained that Akwa Ibom was unanimously chosen by the NDDC board as the host state due to its serene environment and well-developed sports infrastructure.
“The Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium will serve as the main venue, and the state has the capacity to accommodate all 20 sporting events planned for the festival,” Ogbuku stated.
The festival, which coincides with the NDDC’s 25th anniversary, is expected to attract athletes, sports enthusiasts, and stakeholders from all nine states of the Niger Delta region.
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