…….The Games Symbolise Possibilities for the Niger Delta – Okpebholo
Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews
Benin City, Edo State – February 21, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has affirmed that Nigeria’s development agenda cannot be considered complete without deliberate investment in sports, describing it as a powerful vehicle for national unity, peace-building and talent discovery.
The President made this known at the official opening ceremony of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games held at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State. Represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, President Tinubu emphasised that sustainable development is inseparable from peace and cohesion, values that sports naturally cultivate across ethnic, religious and social divides.
According to him, the Niger Delta Games provide a strategic platform to celebrate the region’s cultural diversity while empowering its vibrant youth population. He noted that beyond competition, the tournament is designed to identify promising young athletes, nurture them to elite standards and prepare them to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
“The Niger Delta is a region of extraordinary cultural diversity united through sports, one of the strongest instruments of peace and unity. Tribe, religion and social status become secondary where discipline, teamwork and excellence define success,” the President stated, adding that the initiative would help groom amateur athletes into national champions capable of bringing honour to the country.
Declaring the Games open, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described the tournament as a symbol of hope and possibility for the Niger Delta. He stressed that the Games represent far more than athletic rivalry, noting that they project the resilience, talent and boundless human potential of the region.
“These Games symbolise possibilities. They send a clear message that the Niger Delta is defined not only by its natural resources but by its strength of character and the excellence of its people,” Governor Okpebholo said. He underscored the transformative power of sports in building discipline, shaping character and dissolving barriers of language, culture and background.
Addressing the athletes, the Governor urged them to compete with integrity and passion, reminding them that they carry the aspirations of millions of young people across the region. He assured participants and officials of Edo State’s commitment to providing a safe, hospitable and conducive environment throughout the tournament.
Governor Okpebholo further disclosed that when the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) approached Edo State to host the second edition, his administration embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, pledging to deliver what he described as the most memorable outing yet. He explained that the tournament aligns squarely with his administration’s SHINE Agenda, particularly its focus on sustainable youth development and constructive engagement.
“We believe no meaningful development can be achieved if the youths, who constitute the majority of our population, are ignored. This tournament channels their energy into positive and productive endeavours,” he affirmed.
Minister for Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, described the gathering as a celebration of youth, discipline and regional integration, noting that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for discouraging social vices and promoting positive lifestyles among young people.
The Director-General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, commended the organisers for institutionalising the Games as a sustainable youth engagement framework. He revealed that ongoing reforms in the sports sector are aimed at revitalising coaching structures nationwide to strengthen grassroots development and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in Africa and beyond.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, announced that 3,700 athletes and officials from the nine Niger Delta states are competing in 16 sporting disciplines at this year’s edition in Benin City. He called on governors across the region to continue supporting the initiative, noting that the Games have already produced emerging talents who have gone on to excel at national and international competitions.
Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyare, also paid tribute to the late former Governor of the Midwest State, Samuel Ogbemudia, for laying the foundation for sporting excellence in the region. He disclosed that over 600 young talents were discovered through the Games’ structured scouting and mentorship programme, with many progressing to medal-winning performances at national festivals and continental championships.
As competition unfolds in Benin City, the 2026 Niger Delta Games stand as a bold reaffirmation of sport as a catalyst for unity, empowerment and national pride, reinforcing the conviction that Nigeria’s developmental aspirations are intrinsically linked to the strength and potential of its youth.
This statement was issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
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