President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for organising the Niger Delta Sports Festival, describing it as the first of its kind and stating that it would harness the youth's potential, promote unity and community development in the Niger Delta region.

President Tinubu, who was represented by the Chairman of National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, spoke at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He said: “Let me commend the Niger Delta Development Commission for its initiative in organising this laudable event aimed at bringing young sports talents from the region together. For this competition. I am convinced that this praiseworthy initiative will foster youth development, promote peace, and contribute to economic growth, while also enhancing community development and security.

The President noted that the competition would boost grassroots sports development and complement the Federal Government's structural reforms in the sports sector through the National Sports Commission.

He observed that the NDDC's foresight would create room for more participation and interest in sports among state governments in the region.

He commended the Akwa Ibom state government for its continued support for the promotion and development of sports in the country.

In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, declared that the next edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival was open for bidding.

He thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for hosting the first edition of the festival, which he described as superb.

Ogbuku requested other state governors in the Niger Delta region to consider positive partnership with the NDDC for the promotion of both economic and structural development of the area, as well as discovering youths and new talents who would replace the aging local, national and international stars in sporting events.

In a goodwill message, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stated that his state would be willing to host the festival in the future, even as he advised the NDDC to select hosting states in alphabetical order.

Governor Ayedatiwa ascribed the laudable achievements recorded by the NDDC to the enormous support received from President Bola Tinubu.

He eulogised NDDC for also prioritising peace building, human capital and social interaction.

The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who also spoke at the event, described sports as a vehicle for national development.

He stated that the assemblage of the sports participants for the competition is indicative of the abundant human resource potential in the region.

He explained that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would have a profoundly positive impact on the region's future. He further assured the continuity of the programme in subsequent years, just as he encouraged the sportsmen and women to participate actively in the fiesta.

•PHOTO: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, welcomes the Chairman, NDDC Governing Board, Chiedu Ebie, during the opening ceremony of Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Second left is the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; and the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye (left)