By Gowon Akpodonor

NDDC plans to establish a sports institute

Delta State’s team to the just-concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) has described its inability to win the festival as a wake-up call that would propel the team to work harder, particularly in the build-up to the fast-approaching Ogun 2025 National Sports Festival.
 
The declaration came just as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, revealed that the commission would establish a sports institute to consolidate the gains of the just concluded NDSF and enhance sports development in the region.
 
Pre-tournament favorites, Team Delta, lost the top spot to Bayelsa State at the end of the festival, while Bayelsa grabbed 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze to top the medals table, Team Delta was second with 41 gold, 26 silver and 32 bronze medals, just as Team Edo finished in third position with 23 gold, 35 silver and 31 bronze.
 
The Director of Public Relations of Delta Sports Commission, Franca Okonma, said in a message to The Guardian, yesterday, that the highlight of the NDSF was the rivalry between giants, Delta and Bayelsa.
 
“Against expectations, Bayelsa won the keenly contested one-week festival, and the organisers have said that the objective of discovering raw talents has been achieved,” Okonma said. “Following on the heels of the Games in Uyo is the 22nd National Sports Festival, which flags off in Abeokuta, Ogun State next month. The result in Uyo should be a wake-up call for Delta to guard her loins and prepare adequately for the Gateway Games because of the threat by Bayelsa to become the number one sporting state.”
 
At the closing ceremony of the NDSF on Tuesday,  NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, quoted the commission’s Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, as saying that the commission will establish a sports institute to consolidate on the gains of the Games and enhance sports development in the Niger Delta region.
 
Ogbuku stated: “The festival is designed not just as a competition but as a long-term investment in the future of sports in the Niger Delta. One of its key objectives is to establish a periodic sporting event that ensures continuous talent development. By identifying and nurturing young athletes, the NDDC aims to create opportunities for them to compete nationally and internationally.”
 
Also speaking at the closing ceremony, NDDC’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, who is also the chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Alabo Boma Iyaye, described the festival as the beginning of a new chapter in the sporting history of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.
 
“Eight days ago, we set out to create something memorable, and today, we can proudly say we succeeded. We have built lasting friendships and discovered over 500 talented athletes, men, and women who can go on to become champions. The real work is to mentor them into the next generation of super athletes.”
 
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for prioritising sports development in the country and also applauded the Akwa Ibom State government for its hospitality during the games. He assured the athletes that they would be compensated adequately.
 
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Chairman of Uyo Local Council, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, commended all participants and encouraged them to see themselves not as winners or losers but as part of a growing sports community. He urged them to foster relationships and remain dedicated to honing their talents.