The Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Alabo Boma Iyaye, at the weekend, charged members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) to organise a successful festival that will be a benchmark for other regions in the country.
 
Iyaye, who also is the chairman of the committee, at the inauguration of the MOC inside the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, remarked that the NDDC was marking its 25th anniversary with the first intervention in sports, which, he said, is aimed at offering youths in the nine states the platform to engage their minds and curb delinquent behaviours.
 
“The region is known for providing over 60 per cent of sportsmen and women, who represent Nigeria at international sports events and we have observed a decline in the numbers.
  
“The NDDC, therefore, has resolved to reverse the decline by supporting the festival to offer youths a platform to find expression for their talents,” Iyaye said.
 
Speaking at the inauguration, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, who is the chairman of the NDDC body of the states’ commissioners for sports, commended the commission for the initiative, which, he said, will enable the states to reclaim their frontline role in contributing champions to the country’s sports contingents in all games.
 
Co-Chairman of the MOC, Itiako Ikpokpo, had earlier assured the NDDC that the festival was on course to meet and surpass set objectives.
  
“We are at a very important stage in the implementation of the festival plans. Facilities are being renovated and upgraded. Members have been up and running to ensure a resounding success for the festival, which promises to be high in the quality of organisation,” he promised on behalf of the members.
 
Over 3000 athletes, 600 coaches, and 500 officiating officials are expected at the festival which holds from April 1 to 9 in Akwa Ibom State.
 
Meanwhile, the NDSF technical committee co-chairman, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has announced that the registration portal would be closed on February 28, while urging states’ liaison committees to ensure that their athletes are properly registered.

Udo-Obong also reminded states of the eligibility rules, emphasising: “The eligibility criteria of being an indigene of a Niger Delta Development Commission state and also under 25 years of age would be enforced.” He disclosed that an exception to the age cap rule is in football and boxing, where professionals and league players are not qualified to register.
  
“We excluded the Para Sports from the age cap, as there is no age limit in those sports. But Olympians who are under 25 years are eligible to participate.”