Chukwu heads Abia’s Niger Delta Sports Festival Committee

The Abia State government, at the weekend, inaugurated its liaison committee for the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), which will hold from April 1 to 8, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Liaison Committee, headed by Mr Onyebuchi Chukwu, who is a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Alex Otti, the body’s objective is to revive, spot, and nurture athletes in the Niger Delta zone. The committee is also expected to focus on grassroots sports development, particularly for local athletes aged 25 and below, with exceptions for para-athletes.

Speaking while inaugurating the seven-man committee in Umuahia on Friday, Abia State’s Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the initiative emphasises the importance of sports development at the grassroots level, especially given Nigeria’s declining performance in international tournaments, such as the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He said that the goal is not solely focused on winning but rather on reviving and rehabilitating sports and sports structures across all NDDC states. Ananaba applauded the Games’ organisers, reiterating the state’s commitment to talent discovery, nurturing, and development.

He highlighted the state’s efforts in grassroots sports development over the last 18 months and its continued efforts to nurture the budding talents that were discovered in those events through intentional coaching and monitoring, among others.

The competition, sponsored by the NDDC, seeks to empower youths and give back to communities under the organisation. Other members of the committee are Fidel Chukwuemeka Ochiobi, Comrade Obioma George (Abia State’s Director of Sports),Mr. James Obinna Eke, who will serve as its – secretary, Sir Isaac O. Isaac, Eziuche Ubani and Captain Eric Asomugha.

Meanwhile, the hosts of the maiden edition of the Games, Akwa Ibom State, has assured all participants of a conducive environment to exhibit their skills. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, led by the Managing Director, Dr Sam Ogbuku, to brief the governor on the objectives for instituting the multi-sport competition and plans for its successful realisation.

Thanking the NDDC for initiating the festival and choosing Akwa Ibom State as host of the maiden edition, Enoh said the visit by the NDDC shows it’s seriousness on the project.

“We thank you for the privilege to host. Your visit shows your seriousness, and there is no way we will reject it.

“The festival will promote the unity in our diversity and also help the local economy through the various commercial activities, from patronage of hotels, food, transportation and other things involved.

“We will set up a small committee to work with you to deliver the event. We look forward to welcoming the Niger Delta, and together, we will have a good time.”