As the world counts down to the April 1st commencement of the maiden Niger Delta Development Commission Sports Festival, the Edo State government has officially confirmed its participation after Governor Okpebholo received the Torch of Unity on Monday morning.
Represented by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo at the Edo State government house, thanked the NDDC for the laudable initiative and promised the athletes the state’s full support.
The Deputy Governor, speaking at the point of receiving the Torch, thanked the chairman and the board members for their work so far and wished the athletes the best in the competition.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the intent of the governor in developing sports in the state. He assured the athletes of their support, to aid them in winning all available medals.
Earlier, the Chairman of Edo Sports Commission, while handling the Torch to the governor, thanked the governor for his trust and support for the team, assuring him of maximum victory for the state at the regional competition.
“When it comes to Edo, we are fully prepared. In the Niger Delta Sports Festival taking place in Uyo, we are going to participate in 11 Sports which is.”
“We began our journey from local government qualifiers and those who qualified there will be in Benin from tomorrow for the finals to know our representatives. This competition is coming at the right time.”
“When we received the Niger-Delta Sports Festival invitation, we keyed into it because it aligns with your objectives for the state which simply states “go into the locals and get athletes that can represent the state at the national level.”
The ceremonial transfer of the “Torch of Unity” of the event colourfully started at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on March 21, 2025 and is expected to go across the participating states before its kickoff.
Over 3,000 athletes and 500 coaches are expected to participate in the sports festival solely sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The Torch of Unity was handed to the deputy governor by a key figure in Nigerian Para Powerlifting and Team Edo Para Powerlifting head coach, Mrs Patience Igbiti, who picked it from the Sports Commission’s chairman after leading other Torchbearers and other athletes from the stadium to the Edo state government house.