The Niger Delta Games Torch was received and paraded in Abia State on Thursday, courtesy of Edidiong Umoafia, one of the Games Ambassadors, who brought it from Akwa Ibom. Edidiong, clad in a vibrant Akwa Ibom tracksuit and representing the weightlifting discipline, arrived at the Umuahia Township Stadium and was greeted by Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the State Liaison Committee.
Ananaba subsequently led the procession to the Government House, where they were received by Governor Alex Otti’s representative, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Secretary to the Abia State Government, accompanied by Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff at Government House. Meribole stated that the state has made adequate preparations to deliver a commendable performance at the games, scheduled to take place in Benin, Edo State, from February 20-27.
He urged the athletes to compete courageously and win fairly, while congratulating the nine states in the region for pioneering their own regional multi-sports competition. The Secretary to the State Government expressed hope that the region would continue its dominance in discovering and nurturing athletes for the country.
Furthermore, Meribole commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) leadership for sponsoring the games, as conceptualized and implemented by Dunamis-Icon Limited. Also present to witness and oversee the proceedings was Fred Edoreh, Project Director for the Games, who thanked the state for the warm reception accorded the Torch ceremony. According to the Torch Tour schedule, Imo State is slated to receive the Games symbol next.
