President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sponsoring the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, urging the commission to deepen its investment in youth and women empowerment through sports development.
Tinubu, who spoke at the closing ceremony of the Games held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State, described sports as a potent vehicle for national unity, talent discovery and economic inclusion.
Represented by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, the President said the competition transcended medals and trophies, stressing that it provides a platform for nurturing talent, building character and opening pathways to global recognition for young Nigerians.
“Sports remain one of the greatest tools for national unity and youth empowerment. Beyond medals and trophies, this competition is about discovering talents, building character and creating pathways to global recognition for our young people,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the initiative aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of human capital development.
“We are committed to initiatives like the Niger Delta Games. Sports can serve as a strategic platform to empower youths and women, promote entrepreneurship and project Nigeria positively to the world,” he added.
Host state, Edo, emerged overall winner of the competition, displacing defending champions Bayelsa State. Edo clinched 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals to amass a total of 111 medals. Delta State finished first runner-up with 102 medals, while Bayelsa placed third with 79 medals.
Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo states placed fourth to ninth, respectively.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, praised the NDDC for organising what he described as a world-class sporting event. He said the Games had fostered unity, resilience and entrepreneurship among participating states.
Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Chiedu Ebie, lauded the Edo State Government for its collaboration, expressing confidence that athletes discovered at the Games would go on to represent Nigeria at global competitions, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and the All-Africa Games.
The NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to sustaining the initiative, noting that the Games were designed to groom amateur athletes into professionals.
“Today, we are not just celebrating victories; we are celebrating excellence, discipline and hard work.
You will be assessed not only by your performance in sports but also by your character,” he told the athletes, urging them to remain focused and committed to continuous improvement.
Earlier, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee and NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the competition, saying it had strengthened unity across the Niger Delta.
Iyaye paid tribute to the late Samuel Ogbemudia for laying the foundation for the region’s dominance in Nigerian sports, noting that the Niger Delta continues to produce a significant percentage of athletes representing the country at international competitions.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Solomon Ogba, advised athletes to shun doping and age falsification, stressing that integrity, discipline and dedication remain the hallmarks of lasting success.
