Team Akwa Ibom shone brightly on the opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Games at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin Metropolis, on Friday, 20 February 2026. The occasion was full of color, music, and unity. The Akwa Ibom contingent was on the centre of the dance section, as athletes from totally different states danced collectively in teams, reflecting the unity and regional integration targets of the video games.
Past the energetic dance show, Akwa Ibom additionally acquired particular recognition on the ceremony. Former Akwa Ibom State Governor and present Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, acquired loud cheers when he was introduced to provide his tackle, which was delivered on his behalf by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong.
Distinguished sons of Akwa Ibom additionally performed key roles on the occasion. Mr Edidiong Stephen served as one of the comperes and delivered with distinction, whereas Guinness World Report holder George Iniabasi Essien, popularly referred to as Mighty George, hosted the pink carpet.
The Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Sports activities, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, was additionally current and joined the athletes on the dance ground in an inspiring second, including to the celebratory ambiance of the night.
Talking on the occasion, the Managing Director and Chief Govt Officer of the Niger Delta Growth Fee (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, praised the imaginative and prescient of the Niger Delta Games and aligned it with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He stated the competitors was right here to remain and known as on governors in the area to assist the NDDC in co-funding the occasion.
Dr Ogbuku described the video games as a platform to find future nationwide and Olympic champions, stressing that the goal is to faucet skills from the beginner degree and maintain their growth. He added that the video games promote regional integration by serving to athletes construct bonds and friendships.
Of their remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo stated the Niger Delta is blessed with each pure and human assets and recommended the NDDC for initiating the video games.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Trade, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the Niger Delta Games as a robust funding in the longer term of Nigerian youths. He stated the maiden version confirmed that younger individuals reply with excellence when given alternatives and that the second version builds on that basis.
He famous that past medals, the video games deal with expertise discovery and creating pathways into the multi-billion-dollar sports activities trade. He urged the NDDC and stakeholders to proceed investing in youth growth programmes and known as on athletes to embrace sportsmanship.
The President additionally stated the progress of the Niger Delta is inseparable from the progress of Nigeria and expressed hope that the video games would strengthen unity and uncover new skills.
President Tinubu formally declared the 2nd Niger Delta Games open. Music star Patoranking then took the stage, delivering an electrifying efficiency that offered the right ending to the occasion.
The 2nd Niger Delta Games options 16 sports activities occasions and brings collectively athletes from 9 taking part states. Dunamis-Icon Restricted is the rights proprietor and organiser of the video games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Growth Fee (NDDC). Bayelsa State emerged champions on the maiden version held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 2025, whereas Team Akwa Ibom shall be trying to enhance on their sixth-place end from the primary version.
Source link
#Team #Akwa #Ibom #Athletes #Shine #CelebrationFilled #Opening #2nd #Niger #Delta #Games
