By Tonye Orabere
It was a colourful opening ceremony of Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) , yesterday at Uyo Township Stadium.
The event was witnessed by a huge crowd and saw people from all works of life in attendance, including top government functionaries.
Cultural displays and dance dramas were the highlights of the ceremony and finally the match past of all the Niger Delta States, with their colourful attires, even the heavy downpour could not stop the displays.
Speaking at the ceremony the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said that the commission is blazing the trail in sports development at the regional level.
He stated that the initiative was to spur other organisations and subregional governments to organise sporting competitions at the grassroots, with the view to develop sports in all ramifications
Dr. Ogbuku said these while delivering his opening speech at the event, yesterday, saying that sports fiesta serves as a significant platform to discover talents in areas like music, comedy and entertainment.
According to him, the initiative was basically to support the Niger Delta States in the discovery of sports talents , grooming them into national and international elites athletes, nurturing them to attain gainful professional career in sports.
“We understand the power of sports in transforming society, and a key stakeholder in Nigeria project, we are contributing our quota to sports development in the country.
” We also recognise and understand Mr President’s zeal and passion for the sector’s revival. As an intervention agency, we must partner with the region’s State government to develop Sports” Dr. Ogbuku said.
