President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sponsoring the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, and charged the Commission to continue investing in initiatives that empower youths and women through sports development.

President Tinubu expressed delight with the games at the closing ceremony of the Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State, where Team Edo dethroned defending champions, Bayelsa State, to emerge the overall winners.

The President, who was represented by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described sports as a powerful instrument for unity, empowerment, and national development.

He said: “Sports remain one of the greatest tools for national unity and youth empowerment. Beyond medals and trophies, this competition is about discovering talents, building character, and creating pathways to global recognition for our young people.”

He commended the NDDC for sustaining the initiative, noting that it aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

According to the President, “We are committed to human capital development initiatives like the Niger Delta Games. We know that sports can be used as a strategic platform to empower youths and women, promote entrepreneurship, and project Nigeria positively to the world.”

In his address, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, commended the NDDC for delivering a world-class sporting event.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa stated: “Over the past week, the Niger Delta Games have showcased resilience, hard work, and sportsmanship. This event has fostered unity and entrepreneurship. We thank the NDDC for giving us a memorable and world-class sports experience.”

Declaring the games closed, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, commended the Edo State Government for collaborating with the NDDC to ensure a successful sporting fiesta.

He expressed optimism that talents discovered at the Niger Delta Games would represent the country at international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and the All-Africa Games.

In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, restated that the Games were designed to groom amateur athletes into professionals, assuring stakeholders that the competition had come to stay.

He noted: “Today, we are not just celebrating victories; we are celebrating excellence, discipline, and hard work. We assess you not only by your performance in sports but also by your character. Do not relax after this success. Continue to train, challenge yourselves, and believe in your abilities.”

Announcing the final results, Ogbuku declared: “At the end of this keenly contested festival, Edo State has emerged overall winner with 52 gold medals, 34 silver medals, and 25 bronze medals, making a total of 111 medals. Delta State finished as first runner-up with 102 medals, while Bayelsa recorded 79 medals to come third.”

Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers, and Imo states finished 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, respectively.

Earlier in his welcome address, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Games.

He said, “We are happy that this competition has brought unity among the states and participants. Many talented athletes have been discovered here, and they will fly the flag of the Niger Delta high across the globe.”

Iyaye paid tribute to the late Dr Samuel Ogbemudia “for establishing the framework for the supremacy of the Niger Delta region in Nigerian sports, which has continued to produce over 60 per cent of Team Nigeria athletes for international competitions.”

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Evangelist Solomon Ogba, advised athletes to uphold integrity.

He counselled: “Stay away from drugs and age falsification. True success comes from discipline, honesty, and dedication to your craft.”

PHOTO, L-R: NDDC Executive Director Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; Chairman NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Denis Idahosa, NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; and the Representative of Edo State on the NDDC Board, Hon. Patrick Aisoweieren, during the closing ceremony of the Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State.

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