Alabo Boma Iyaye, Executive Director, Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Chairman, Main Organising Committee of the Niger Delta Games, has assured that all logistics are ready for the kick-off of the games on Friday.

A press statement signed by Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC’s Director, Corporate Affairs on February 18, 2026 said that while speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt, Iyaye said that this year’s games, featuring 3,000 athletes, would be bigger and better, building on the successes recorded during the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to Iyaye, “the Niger Delta Games made history as the first regional sports festival in Nigeria, conceived primarily as a platform for talent discovery and development.” He noted that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s commitment to empowering youths and promoting positive engagement across the Niger Delta region.

“The major objective of the Niger Delta Games is talent discovery,” he said. “This event provides a rare opportunity for young athletes to showcase their abilities, launch themselves into the global stage, and begin structured pathways to professional sports careers.”

Iyaye assured that all arrangements had been concluded to ensure a smooth and successful event. He emphasised that officiating would be conducted with the highest level of integrity, guaranteeing fairness and equal opportunity for all participants.

The Chairman of the Main Organising Committee further stressed the role of sports as a powerful tool for social development, noting that organised sporting activities help redirect young minds away from crime.

“Our region is blessed with abundant raw talents, found in the creeks and on the streets of the Niger Delta. These Games provide a platform to harness such talents from the grassroots and bring them into the limelight,” he added.

Iyaye stated that the first edition of the games in Uyo brought peace and togetherness to the region, giving youths the platform to showcase their talents. He said that the games in Edo would further consolidate the gains made so far and provide more young people with opportunities to discover their innate talents.

Beyond sports competition, Iyaye disclosed that the event would also celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta, with cultural displays integrated into the games.

•PHOTO: NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, and the Chairman, Main Organising Committee of the Niger Delta Games, Alabo Boma Iyaye, speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt.

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