The Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Alabo Boma Iyaye, has assured that the 2026 edition of the Niger Delta Games will surpass the success of the inaugural event held earlier this year.
Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Edo 2026 at the NDDC Head Office in Port Harcourt, Iyaye commended the efforts of committee members, many of whom were retained for their exceptional work in delivering the first edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last April.
“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.
He further charged the committees to ensure the next edition advances the objectives of the multi-sport event.
“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. We want to give opportunities for youths to compete and engage them through the power of sports so that they can become champions tomorrow”, he added.
The 23-member Main Organising Committee is co-chaired by Iyaye and the Project Consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo and includes all Sports Commissioners from the nine NDDC states, along with experienced sports technocrats.
Bayelsa State’s Commissioner for Sports Daniel Igali, speaking on behalf of the Sports Commissioners, highlighted the leadership role the Niger Delta region has taken in sports development.
“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.
In a vote of thanks, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo praised the NDDC for supporting the initiative, which he said has provided a platform for young talents in the region promising that the games would produce Nigeria’s next champions.
“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”, he stated.
He informed that 17 games will be contested during the event.
The Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games are set to take place from February 20 to February 27, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City and other top sporting facilities across Edo State.
