Niger Delta Games Set To Uncover 4,000 Athletes As Torch Reaches Asaba
Torch Ceremony Signals Countdown to Regional Showpiece
THE symbolic torch for the 2nd Niger Delta Games arrived in Delta State on Monday, marking a key milestone in preparations for the regional sporting event designed to uncover and nurture young talents.
The torch was presented at Government House, Asaba, and received on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme.
Leading the delegation was Itiako Ikpokpo, Project Consultant and Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, who reiterated the broader vision behind the Games.
Mission Beyond Medals
According to Ikpokpo, the Niger Delta Games were conceived as a structured intervention to prevent young athletes in the region from being overlooked due to limited exposure and inadequate sporting infrastructure.
Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Games aim to provide a credible platform for talent discovery across the nine Niger Delta states.
“We believe that athletes should not be pushed to other parts of the country because we have enough talents in each of our states,” Ikpokpo said, emphasizing that the initiative is focused on harnessing homegrown potential.
He noted that the championship would feature 16 sporting disciplines and attract more than 4,000 athletes expected to converge on Benin for the competition.
Organisers say the emphasis is not merely on podium finishes but on long-term athlete development. “It is not about who comes first or who comes last. It is about the potential we see that will do well tomorrow for our state and our country,” Ikpokpo added.
Building on Uyo Gains
The maiden edition of the Games was hosted in Uyo last year, laying the foundation for what organisers describe as a sustainable regional sporting ecosystem.
Ikpokpo expressed optimism that the second edition would consolidate on earlier achievements, particularly in scouting and mentoring emerging talents.
He also acknowledged the role of the Delta State Government and relevant sports commissions in supporting preparations and fostering inter-state collaboration.
Government Endorsement
Receiving the torch, Onyeme commended the organisers for leveraging sports as a tool for youth empowerment and regional integration.
He reaffirmed Delta State’s commitment to programmes that promote unity and constructive engagement among young people across the Niger Delta.
Analysts say such regional competitions could play a strategic role in addressing youth unemployment and restiveness by channeling energy into structured development pathways.
As the torch continues its symbolic journey, organisers describe the upcoming Games as more than a tournament — but a rallying point for sustained sports development and cooperation across the oil-rich region.
