By Akanimo Kufre
About 3000 athletes from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) states will participate in 17 different sporting events in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from 1st to 8th April 2025.
The 17 sports include; athletics, basketball, boxing, canoeing, chess, football, handball, para-athletics, para-powerlifting, scrabble, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling among others.
The Sports Festival, besides giving opportunities to Niger Delta youths, will also commemorate with the Development Commission’s 25th year since its establishment.
The Co-Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the festival, Itiako Ikpokpo Ksm, made the information public following a tour of facilities in Uyo last Monday and Tuesday.
Mr. Ikpokpo assured of enough facilities in Akwa Ibom state to take care of the 17 sports that will feature during the festival as well as the Cultural Exposition at Unity Park.
“We are ready for the sports festival and all the facilities will be ready in a week, equipment are coming in and athletes are preparing. So, I can tell you confidently that we are very ready.
All nine Niger Delta states have indicated interest in participating in the festival. The MOC chairman also assured athletes, officials, and fans that adequate security arrangements have been put in place for their safety.
About 15, 000 entries were received for the competition, while 3, 000 entries will be selected for the festival. So far, trials for some events began in Eket on Tuesday.
