By Francis Ajuonuma
Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dunamis Icon Limited, Games rights owners of the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games is excited that the games is living up to its objectives of discovering and nurturing athletes to becoming future champions..
Sir Ikpokpo who made the declaration at the official opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games held on 20th February 2026 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State said the games has become a breeding ground for raw talents.
He believes that the coming on board of the Niger Delta Games has helped improve the performance of the region at national championships, as well as at international competitions.
“And for us, we are not owning athletes. We are producing athletes for the region. And I think we have been able to achieve that,”he said.
He lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other partners for backing the games
“We give God all the glory. We thank our partners, Of course, our only major sponsors, the NDDC, who provided all we need for the athletes.
On how he feels watching the kids compete, he added: ‘I’ve been in public service and I can tell you that one of the things that gives you excitement is when you see people do better. And the only people you see at that level are younger ones.And when you see them living their lives, living their dreams, there’s something to be happy about.
“You can see that most of the young people who came here have never been to cities before. So, imagine them coming to Benin, experiencing Benin just like those who came to Uyo, experienced Uyo.
“I’m sure you saw some of the vehicles they came in. Air-conditioned vehicles. That’s the beginning of the experience.
“Out of their city, some drove six hours, some drove eight hours. You know, I think it’s a story of a lifetime for them. And we are grateful to God.
“Don’t fail to tell us where we are doing wrong. Because we want to improve sports. We want to make sure cheating stops in sports.
“We want to make sure athletes stop taking drugs. We want to make sure people are not lying about their age. We also want to stop states from buying athletes to compete.
“Let us groom people in our states and in our communities. We have enough talents everywhere. We need to develop coaches.
“We need to build ourselves in our communities. And that’s what the message is all about here.
Speaking earlier, at the event, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, noted that the state is happy being the host of the second edition which he believes will lead to the discovery of talents in the nine states that are participating in the Games.
He was particularly grateful to NDDC for sponsoring the Games even as he promised all the participating states that for the next one week, they’ll be treated to the best of hospitality which Edo State is noted for.
” We as a government are happy hosting this Games because of the enormous benefits it have for not only the youths of Edo State but the entire youths of the nine participating states.
” It’s equally important that I thank NDDC for it’s foresight in sponsoring the Games which has helped in unearthing talents in our various states and I charge the athletes and officials to play according to the rules of the Games and not do anything that will bring it to disrepute”, noted the Governor.
Managing Director of NDDC, Dr.Samuel Ogbuku in his speech stated that the Commission decided to sponsor the Games because of it’s believe that it will impact positively on the lives of youths of Nigeria Delta Region with a promise that they will continue to sponsor the annual event.
Declaring the Games open President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh said that he’s happy with the successes recorded in the first edition, hoping that the success of this year’s edition will surpass that of last year.
He reminded the youths that it was in this type of youth Games that the likes of Chioma Ajunwa Opara, Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya Bash Ali and many other talented athletes were discovered, urging them to put in their best.
The President also commended the organisers and sponsor of the Games for investing in the development of Nigerian youths which he said aligned with the programme of his government.
Highlights of the opening ceremony was parade by the contingents of all the participating states.
The opening ceremony also featured, visual displays and choreography with musical performances by Pato Ranking and gospel singer, Eben and DJ Phyna
The lighting of the Games Torch was performed by ex- international Victor Ikpeba.
