Niger Delta Sports Festival: Enabulele Reaffirms Edo’s Readiness for Historic Second Edition

ADEYEMI TIMOTHY ADEKUNLE 

As preparations intensify for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, on Thursday received the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, who was in company of the project consultant of the festival, Dunamis Icon Limited, led by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo.

The high-level courtesy visit was aimed at reviewing the level of preparedness, strengthening collaboration, and reaffirming the commitment of all stakeholders toward delivering a successful and impactful festival.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that the Niger Delta Sports Festival remains a critical platform for grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and regional integration.

“The Niger Delta Sports Festival is more than a competition; it is a deliberate investment in the future of our youths and the discovery of talents that can serve the region and the nation for years to come,” Enabulele stated.

He commended the NDDC under the leadership of Mr. Chiedu Ebie for sustaining the vision of using sports as a tool for unity, peace, and development in the Niger Delta, adding that the consistency of the Commission in supporting the festival reflects a deep understanding of sports as a catalyst for social and economic growth.

“I want to specially appreciate the NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, for his unwavering support and commitment to the Niger Delta Sports Festival. This initiative has continued to give hope and opportunity to young athletes across the region, particularly at the grassroots level,” he said.

Enabulele also praised Dunamis Icon Limited and its Managing Consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, for their professionalism and organisational capacity, noting that the success of the maiden edition laid a strong foundation for an even better second edition.

“The role of Dunamis Icon Limited in the conceptualisation and execution of this festival cannot be overstated. Their dedication to transparency, fair play, and talent discovery aligns perfectly with our vision in Edo State to build sports from the grassroots up,” Enabulele added.

Reaffirming Edo State’s readiness to host the festival, Enabulele assured that all necessary facilities, logistics, and institutional support are being put in place to ensure a hitch-free event.

“Edo State is fully prepared to host the Niger Delta Sports Festival. Our facilities are ready, our technical teams are on ground, and we are working closely with the NDDC and the organisers to ensure that this edition sets a new benchmark in organisation, athlete welfare, and competitive excellence,” he said.

He further emphasized that the festival’s focus on under-19 athletes is deliberate and strategic, as it aligns with the broader objective of long-term talent development rather than short-term competition.

“Our priority is talent discovery and development. By focusing on young athletes, we are deliberately building a pipeline that will feed state, national, and even international sports platforms in the future,” Enabulele noted.

“This festival must reflect the true spirit of fair competition and opportunity for genuine talents,” he declared.

In his remarks, the NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, commended Edo State for its proactive role and continued leadership in sports development, expressing confidence that the second edition of the festival would surpass expectations.

The NDDC Chairman was in Benin City to participate in a strategic retreat organised for the Project Consultant, Dunamis Icon Limited and other stakeholders, focused on planning and delivering a world-class Niger Delta Sports Festival.

The meeting ended with all parties reaffirming their shared commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and excellence, as preparations continue toward delivering a successful 2nd Niger Delta Sports Festival that will further position the region as a hub for emerging sporting talents.