Organisers of the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) have explained the reason they chose “Bros” as the games’ Mascot.The organisers unveiled the festival’s mascot at the Landmark Event Centre, Owerri, Imo State, at the weekend, with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and other top dignitaries from across the country in attendance.
According to the Co-chairman of the Organising Committee, Itiako Ikpokpo, Bros is derived from the Dolphin, which like the Niger Delta in Nigeria, has presence, prominence, and respect in its environment.
He said: “The name, Bros, is a short form for “Brother,” which is commonly used in the Niger Delta, depicting the oneness, friendship and camaraderie that they share. Simply put, all Niger Deltans are brothers and they call themselves ‘Bros.’
“When we talk about athleticism, Dolphins are fast, great divers, swimmers, and leapers, capable of traveling 40 km per hour and able to leap nine metres, despite their size. That is what we are.
“Dolphins have extraordinary sensibility. They can hear and understand in the water, in the air, and on the land, such that even when they are blind, their sensory ability enables them to effectively navigate the waters. To put it in common parlance, the world knows that ‘Niger Deltans get brain and we no dey carry last.’
Ikpokpo added: “Dolphins are also very sociable and cultural. They entertain, learn, teach their young ones, build social bonds, and have a high sense of cooperation and mutual existence.
“Just like the typical Niger Deltan, they are very compassionate and empathetic souls. They will stay and will not depart from an injured or ill member. They help them to breathe by bringing them to the surface if needed, and it is known that they protect swimmers from sharks and other dangerous sea animals by forming a ring around the swimmer to scare sharks away. This is exactly who we are. We care for one another.
“Most importantly, Dolphins communicate in various ways, just like we have various languages and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, but all united in diversity, “ he said.
Among the NDDC stalwarts at the unveiling of the mascot were the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye.
Heralded by traditional dancers and serenaded by the Imo State Choral Group, Bros emerged digitally and live with a pose that had audience in a standing applause that froze the filled auditorium of the Landmark Event Centre in the posh New Owerri development area.
The presence of Festival Ambassadors, led by two former African Footballers of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, and Emmanuel Amunike, added colour to the event. Other Ambassadors who were unveiled alongside the duo were World women Wrestling champion, Blessing Oborodudu, former African sprints champion, Seun Ogunkoya, Tamunosiki Atorudibo, Olympic medalist, Patience Igbiti, and former Falcons captain, Efio-anwan Ekpo.
“I appreciate your decision to host this important event in Imo State even as I look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our people,” Governor Uzodinma stated.
Earlier in his welcome address at the event, which was also a celebration of the NDDC’s 25th year of operation, Ogbuku said: “The festival aims to promote regional integration and discover new sporting talents in the Niger Delta region.”
