2nd Niger Delta Games : Changing the narratives of Nigerian sports, our utmost priority, declares Ikpokpo

Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, initiators of the Niger Delta Games, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo has for the umpteenth time declared that the utmost priority of the Games is to change the narratives of Nigerian sports through ensuring that cheating, poaching and drugs are stopped and that athletes stop lying about their ages

He stated this Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City during the official opening ceremony of the Games.

According to him, Nigeria boasts of many talented athletes in all the states of the Federation and as such, there’s no reason why any state should poach athletes

” The message of this Games is simple and clear, and that is, we want to take the young ones off the street, make sure cheating stops in our sports, stop drug taking and also make sure people stop lying about their ages.

“We also want to encourage grooming people in our various states and communities because we have abundant talents everywhere. We also need to develop coaches, build ourselves in our communities, thereby taking the youths off the streets and that’s the message of the Games”, he stated

Ikpokpo, while commending NDDC for it’s sponsorship of the Games, expressed happiness with the enthusiasm shown by the athletes, many of whom he said are happy leaving their states for the first time.

“I’ve been in public service, and I can tell you that one of the things that gives you excitement is when you see people do better and the only people you see at that level are younger ones.

” You’re equally happy, when you see them living their lives and their dreams.  We have children, we have kids and we want them to do better. You can see that most of the young people who came here have never been to cities before and this is a real life experience for them.

“Imagine them coming to Benin, experiencing Benin City. Those who came to Uyo, experienced Uyo. That’s the beginning of an experience. Some drove six, eight hours to get here and I think it’s a story of lifetime experience for them “, he concluded.

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony of the Games was full of colour and glamour with various cultural troupes and musical entertainments thrilling the hundreds of people that trooped to the stadium to witness the flag off of the Games.

Speaking at the event, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, noted that the state is happy being the host of the second edition which he believes will lead to the discovery of talents in the nine states that are participating in the Games.

He was particularly grateful to NDDC for sponsoring the Games even as he promised all the participating states that for the next one week, they’ll be treated to the best of hospitality which Edo State is noted for.

” We as a government are happy hosting this Games because of the enormous benefits it have for not only the youths of Edo State but the entire youths of the nine participating states.

” It’s equally important that I thank NDDC for it’s foresight in sponsoring the Games which has helped in unearthing talents in our various states and I charge the athletes and officials to play according to the rules of the Games and not do anything that will bring it to disrepute”, noted the Governor.

Managing Director of NDDC, Dr.Samuel Ogbuku in his speech stated that the Commission decided to sponsor the Games because of it’s believe that it will impact positively on the lives of youths of Nigeria Delta Region with a promise that they will continue to sponsor the annual event.

Declaring the Games open President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh said that he’s happy with the successes recorded in the first edition, hoping that the success of this year’s edition will surpass that of last year.
He reminded the youths that it was in this type of youth Games that the likes of Chioma Ajunwa Opara, Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya Bash Ali and many other talented athletes were discovered, urging them to put in their best.
The President also commended the organisers and sponsor of the Games for investing in the development of Nigerian youths which he said aligned with the programme of his government.
Highlights of the opening ceremony was parade by the contingents of all the participating states.
The opening ceremony also featured, visual displays and choreography with musical performances by Pato Ranking and gospel singer, Eben and DJ Phyna
The lighting of the Games Torch was performed by ex- international Victor Ikpeba.