From Uyo to the Global Stage: NDSF Ignites Hope for Future Niger Delta Stars
Patrick Odye, a correspondent, reports that the recently concluded NDSF event organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission has ushered in a fresh era in the region’s pursuit of potential champions who can represent both their area and Nigeria in various national and international contests.
The first-ever Niger Delta Sports Festival has concluded, yet the memories of this grand event will persist, particularly for those who emerged as victors and those who did not.
The event took place from April 1 to 4 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The theme of this gathering was 'Niger Delta: Beyond Oil'. Approximately 3,000 athletes participated, competing across 17 distinct sporting categories in intense and competitive matches.
The event, guided by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was mainly organized with the aim to "reinvigorate the declining state of sports in the area, tap into the youth's capabilities, and foster unity as well as communal progress among the nine involved states."
The listed states include Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom from the South South geopolitical region; Ondo State from the Southwest; and Abia and Imo states from the Southeast.
According to the organizers, this event seeks to gather athletes from various parts of the region, fostering healthy rivalry and providing chances for regional talent to catch the attention of scouts at the five locations in Uyo including: Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, West Itam Sports Complex, Ultra Fit Sports Center, the swim facility within Uyo Township Stadium, and Cordelia Connolly College.
Traditionally, the Niger Delta area has been recognized for its abundant reserves of oil and natural gas, which have significantly bolstered the nation’s overall economic income. Additionally, this region has nurtured numerous global champions who excelled and held supremacy in various sporting disciplines during their prime years.
Former world boxing champions such as Dick Tiger, Hogan Bassey, and Samuel Peter have brought pride to their region over the years. Other prominent figures include Nigeria’s first and only individual gold medalist, Chioma Ajumwa, along with Blessing Okagbare and numerous others who have also made significant contributions.
The roster of talented footballers is extensive. Thompson Usiyen, Victor Odua, Adokie Amasiemaka, Stephen Keshi, Austin Okocha, Henry Nwosu, and Victor Ikpeba stand out among many others. More recent additions include Joseph Yobo, Nosa Igiebor, Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabili, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, showcasing some remarkable players hailing from this area.
Retired boxers and Olympic medalists such as Isaac Ikhuoria, Duncan Dokiwari, David Izonrite, and Ruth Ogbeifo have left their marks not only in boxing but also across various sporting disciplines worldwide. Additionally, Olympic gold medalist Enefiok Udo-Obong, along with Maria Usifo, Mary Tombiri, Faith Idehen, and Moses Ugbisien, have achieved significant success beyond the ring in international sports arenas.
The departure of these globally renowned athletes from the regional scene has created a significant void in local sports achievements. In an urgent effort to rejuvenate the declining state of athletics in the area, the Niger Delta Development Commission prioritized organizing this sporting event over all else.
In 2000, under the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Nigerian Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was set up as a federal governmental body aimed at fostering development in the petroleum-abundant area. This region had faced significant ecological issues and societal disputes arising from oil drilling and production activities.
The directive to support the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region involves implementing various programs, such as sports activities, aimed at fostering harmony and tranquility.
During the concluding event in Uyo on Tuesday, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the interventionist organization, addressed the attendees. He mentioned that this festival, organized as part of the activities involving key players associated with NDDC, served as a platform for individuals hailing from various ethnic backgrounds across the nine states within the area to engage in competitive events. The aim was to identify talented competitors who would go on to represent both their region and nation at national and global contests.
"Engaging stakeholders via the sports festival has fostered peace and unity in the area. This platform provides you (the athletes) with an opportunity to showcase your talents. The focus isn’t on finishing last; rather, it’s about giving team members a chance to impress scouts," stated Ogbuku.
Highlighting the importance of uncovering talents, Governor Umo Eno emphasized the necessity of fostering every talent identified throughout the festival.
Eno, represented during the closing ceremony of the event by Dr. Uwemedimmo Udo from the Uyo Local Government Area, expressed his congratulations to both organizers and participants for successfully hosting the sporting event. He emphasized that beyond just sports, the festival aimed at fostering connections, sharing ideas, and cultivating positive relationships.
" nobody falls short in this contest. The purpose goes beyond identifying talent; it’s all about fostering those abilities so participants can reach their full potential within their respective fields," stated Eno.
Throughout more than seven intense and fiercely competitive days filled with various sporting events such as football, swimming, track and field, and others, participants formed meaningful bonds, promoted camaraderie, and recreated experiences that could endure throughout their lives—regardless of whether they pursue these sports professionally afterward.
The festival featured heart-pounding competitions, undiscovered skills, and remarkable competitiveness amongst the competing athletes.
Following the closely fought matches, Team Bayelsa surprised everyone, including themselves, by becoming first-time champions against strong favorites Delta and Edo.
Their combined tally of 86 medals, which included 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze, secured their victory for the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₦50 million. In contrast, Team Delta came in second place even though they won the largest number of overall medals at 99. They managed to secure 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze medals. Meanwhile, Edo State ranked third with an impressive count of 89 medals—comprising 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze—which established them as consistently strong performers throughout various competitions.
Rivers ranked fourth in the medal standings with 21 gold, 16 silver, and 26 bronze medals, amounting to a total of 63 medals. Meanwhile, Ondo claimed the fifth spot with 10 gold, 18 silver, and 15 bronze medals, adding up to 43 medals. The host nation, Akwa Ibom, secured sixth place with a tally of nine gold, 14 silver, and 14 bronze medals, summing up to 37 medals altogether.
Abia trailed just behind in seventh place, securing nine gold, ten silver, and thirteen bronze medals, whereas Imo ranked eighth with six gold, twelve silver, and twenty-four bronze medals. Despite their valiant efforts, Team Cross River concluded at the bottom of the rankings, amassing a total of thirty-one medals comprised of five gold, seven silver, and nineteen bronze medals.
Alabo Boma Iyaye, who serves as the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, discussed the festival’s accomplishments during an evaluation. He pointed out that not only have the event's main objectives—uniting various ethnic groups within the area—been successfully met, but it has also effectively identified new champions.
"We've meticulously planned every aspect of this event, yet the true measure of success will be watching these athletes ascend the podium at national and international competitions moving forward," stated Iyaye, who also serves as the Director of Finance and Administration for the NDDC.
The Lead Consultant for the event, Itiako Ikpokpo, reflecting on the celebration, highlighted that although the initial objective of organizing the event was accomplished, true success would be realized once the recognized talents received proper nurturing to develop into star athletes across different sports disciplines.
He mentioned that more than 60 potential athletes were pinpointed by scouts comprising coaches, former athletes, and talent spotters.
This festival has united young individuals from throughout our area. These experiences are ones they will cherish forever. We at NDDC feel honored to have facilitated this.
It’s not just about winning gold medals; our scouts are searching for promising new talents that can be developed over time. The actual effort starts post-festival, where we cultivate these potentials through scientifically backed training programs led by qualified coaches.
Ikpokpo outlined the extended plan which encompasses regular camp training sessions for chosen athletes as a key component of the overall strategy to groom future sporting talents from the area.
At the same time, an elated 16-year-old gold medalist and leader of Delta’s female soccer squad, Alexandria Kpata, credited their victory to teamwork.
“It was all about believing in our ourselves, it was about unity and love because without unity and love you cannot win as a team. So, wherever you are, you just need to have this unity and love, make sure you are not quarrelling and trust me, God will do it for you and give you victory,” Kpata said.
The Delta women's football coach, Nelly Orisakwe, stated, "Our team put in immense effort and remained committed; we targeted the younger players as per the request from NDDC. With divine favor, we provided their training and consistently motivated them to stay concentrated during the competition, which they achieved admirably. No matter the score, including when we tied at 2-2, our athletes persevered until the very last moment. For all this success, I am grateful to God," concluded Orisakwe.
Emphasizing the achievements and favorable responses from the first edition, the MOC expressed their desire to suggest that the festival be held once every two years, recurring biennially.
"We have garnered extensive praise throughout Nigeria. Consequently, we will suggest to the NDDC Board that the festival be held biennially," Iyaye stated additionally.
As conversations revolve around a potential comeback in 2027 and efforts intensify to produce more athletes from the area, the NDSF has been acting as a launchpad for promising talents from the Niger Delta since its first event, helping them chase their aspirations of achieving international stardom in their respective disciplines.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).