Uzodimma receives Torch of Unity, pledges support for Imo contingents as Edo hosts NDDC games

The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma Thursday, February 12, 2025 received the Torch of Unity for the Niger Delta Development Commission Games scheduled to hold in Edo State from February 20, 2026, pledging to support the contingents from Imo State to emerge champions.

Governor Uzodimma spoke at a brief ceremony at Government House Owerri where he received the Torch of Unity from the representatives of his brother Governor Alex Oti of Abia State.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Uzodimma noted that Imo State’s contingent will deliver an outstanding performance at the regional sporting event.

He expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness and determination.

“I am sure you are ready to go and do justice — to make us proud and bring back all the gold,” he declared enthusiastically, drawing applause from the gathering of sportsmen and women.

Receiving the Torch of Unity from Abia State for onward transmission, Anyaehie described the moment as symbolic of regional cooperation and shared aspirations among Niger Delta States.

He commended the NDDC for initiating the Niger Delta Games, noting that the competition serves as a vital platform for unity and youth development, and urged other institutions to emulate the NDDC’s initiative.

He emphasised that sports remain a powerful tool for national integration and youth empowerment.

He also offered prayers for the safety and success of the athletes participating in the Games.

“May the Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, grant our athletes safe travels across all participating States and grant them success as they strive to bring home as many gold medals as possible,” he added.

The Niger Delta Games, an initiative of the NDDC, aims to promote unity, discover young talents, and strengthen bonds among States in the region through healthy sporting competition.

Earlier, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon Obinna Onyeocha said the Ministry of Sports and the Sports Commission are fully prepared to support the contingents who will represent the State at the competition.

He explained that the torch began its tour in Cross River State on February 9, moving through Akwa Ibom and Abia before arriving in Imo.

“We are here with our brothers from Abia State who brought the Unity Torch, as well as representatives of Dunamis Icon, the consultants overseeing the programme,” he said.

The Commissioner described the torch as a symbol of unity among the nine Niger Delta States and reaffirmed Imo’s commitment to a successful outing at the Games.

Also speaking, the leader of the delegation from Dunamis Icon Limited, Mr. Fred Edoreh said the torch was lit in Cross River State before moving through Akwa Ibom and Abia, where it was handed over for onward transmission to Imo in a symbolic relay of unity.

He expressed optimism that the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among the States would ensure successful Games in Edo State.

The Torch of Unity is expected to continue its symbolic journey across participating States ahead of the official commencement of the games.

The event was attended by top government officials from Imo State, officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other Stakeholders.