By mmn reporter 9.12.2025
The 2026 edition of the Niger Delta Games billed for February 20-27 in Benin City, Edo State gathered momentum Tuesday with the inauguration of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC).
NDDC executive director of finance and administration Alabo Boma Iyaye, who performed the task at the NDDD Head Office, Eastern Bypass, Port Harcourt, assured that the NDG will record a greater success than the much-celebrated inaugural edition in April 2025.
“We did absolutely very well at the first edition. There were cheers from the entire country, there was a celebration, and there was huge applause, simply because we brought the entire Niger Delta region together.
“We brought happiness and excitement to our region. We harnessed talents beyond oil production beyond what we are known for. We gave opportunities to the young ones and empowered them,” said Iyaye.
“I assure you 2026 will be bigger than 2025. Therefore, another opportunity has come for all of us to put in our best so that we will not just be celebrating another games, but we will achieve our objectives.
The 23-man Main Organising Committee is co-chaired by Iyaye himself and the Project Consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, (KSM) and has all Sports Commissioners in the nine NDDC states as well as erudite sports technocrats on board.
Speaking on behalf of the Sports Commissioners, Bayelsa State’s Commissioner for Sports and a former Olympics gold medallist, Daniel Igali says the Niger Delta region, through the NDDC has now taken a lead in the area of sports development which other regions are following.
“As a development commission, it appears we have taken a lead in the area of sports development, and other regions are struggling to catch up.
“We are hoping that the second edition will be better, we are hoping that it will be more memorable; and as the years go on, that we will continue to develop sports and promote the aspirations of Niger Deltans,” Igali noted.
Ikpokpo, in a vote of thanks, applauded the NDDC for supporting the project, which has provided opportunities for youths in the region to find expression for their talents, and promised that through the games, “Nigeria’s next champions will be produced.
Ikpokpo said 17 games will also be competed for, declaring that, “We have put in measures to curb any form of cheating. We also would make sure that athletes’ buying is stopped such that only those from the region will represent their states. “