The Niger Delta Sports Festival torch began its journey to Uyo, the host city, at the weekend, from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where the lighting was cheered on by a throng of enthusiastic athletes, sports administrators, government officials, and the general public.

The ceremonial festival ritual was held at the Samson Siasia Stadium, where the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was presented the torch by the Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, who had received it from the Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi.

Ewhrudjakpo in his brief remarks at the ceremony said the state would excel at the festival, which holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1 to 8.

“Bayelsa State is very ready and will be among the three states to mount the podium at the end of the games,” the state’s second citizen told the moderate crowd.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who represented the governor at the brief event, stressed the priorities of the state to include education and sports due to the involvement of youths in both sectors, citing Bayelsa’s active participation and dominance in almost all sporting events in the country. He added that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would not be an exception.

He said: “I wish to express the sentiments and emotions of Bayelsa State to the Niger Delta Development Commission for bringing out resources to sponsor this competition, which is its maiden edition.

“We believe that this sports festival will discover hidden talents across the Niger Delta region. For us as a state, sports is not just a festival but a tool for crime control and also a tool for empowerment of our youths and liberation of minds.”

Earlier, the Director of Sports and Vice Chairman, Bayelsa State Committee, Sir Wodi, had lit the torch at the stadium entrance in company of committee members, coaches and athletes before moving towards the main bowl where he handed it over to Igali.

Igali said the festival will give the Niger Delta states a sense of belonging in the realm of sports, and give the state enough grounds to prepare for the National Sports Festival.

Also present at the event was the representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Itekesi Walama, who added that preparations were in top gear to receive the nine Niger Delta states, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

From Yenagoa, the torch went to Edo State, where state government, led by Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, was on hand to receive the delegation.

Accompanied by the chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele and Festival Ambassador, Patience Igbiti, Idahosa reiterated the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development, while promising the fortify the state’s contingent to go for success in Uyo.

The competition will hold in five venues, including the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Itam West Secondary School and Ultrafit Sports Club.

The torch will move around the nine Niger Delta states before landing in Uyo for the commencement of the festival.