The Organising Committee for the Niger Delta Festival Edo 2026 on Monday embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour of sports facilities across Benin City as preparations intensify for the multi-sport event, platinumnewsng.com is reporting
The tournament organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission is an Olympic-style games featuring over ten sports for the nine NDDC mandate states.
The inspection team, led by Mr Itiako Ikpokpo, began its inspection tour at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, after a brief meeting with the chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, Hon Amadin Enabulele, at his office. The team inspected the stadium’s main bowl, the tartan track, the state box, the VIP lounges and other key areas like the ceremonial room, the media studio and other indoor facilities
The delegation proceeded to Idia College, proposed as the athletes’ hostel, where various halls, accommodation facilities, restrooms, water supply facilities, and other key areas were considered useful for the event.
The team headed to the Wire Road Sports Centre to assess the basketball and volleyball courts before embarking on another inspection trip to the University of Benin Sports Complex. There, the team inspected the indoor sports hall, the main bowl, the artificial football pitch and the track and field event facility. The exercise concluded at the Etete Sports Centre.
In the company of the Edo Sports Commission Chairman, Hon. Amadin Enabulele, were the Executive Director, Hon. Frank Ilaboya and Mrs Sabina Chikere, and Mr Baldwin Bazuaye (MON) present to receive and lead the delegation in the inspection.
The Organising Committee was led by the chairman, Itiako Ikpokpo; Mr Fred Edoreh; Dr Emmanuel Ochuko Igbigbisie; Israel Umueri Afoke, Head of Transport and Logistics; Edi Lawani, Head of Entertainment; Director of Organisation, Harry Iwuala, Director of Media and Communications; Bright Idahosa; and Porbe, LOC member.
The official handing over of hosting rights is expected to take place Tuesday at the Edo State government house, Benin City, with key Games officials billed to attend.
The second edition is expected to host over 4,000 athletes, coaches and officials from the nine states in the region: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers States
Bayelsa State emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, topping the medal table with an impressive haul of 86 medals 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze. For their overall victory, the Prosperity State received a prize reward of ₦50 million.
Team Delta settled for second place with a total of 99 medals, comprising 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze. Edo State followed in third position after amassing 89 medals; 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze. While Rivers State finished fourth with 63 medals made up of 21 gold, 16 silver, and 26 bronze, Cross River State placed at the bottom of the standings with 31 medals: five gold, seven silver, and 19 bronze.