Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday attended the opening ceremony of the Niger Delta Sports Festival at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
The Sports Festival, promoted by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is holding in Akwa Ibom State between April 1 and 9, 2025, with states from the Niger Delta region participating.
In his remarks at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the management of the NDDC for putting the competition together, stressing that the initiative will go a long way in promoting grassroots Sports and engaging the youths of the region.
The Governor also thanked his Akwa Ibom State colleague for hosting the competition, describing the atmosphere at the venue as electrifying.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also took time to interact with members of the Ondo State contingent at the competition.
Adressing the athletes and coaches from the State, the Governor urged them to make Ondo proud by bringing home laurels.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also charged officials of the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to take good care of the team throughout the competition.
Team Ondo was the first contingent to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State’s capital, for the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF).
The team is made up of 313 athletes and 56 coaches, participating in various track and field sports at the competition.
The Ondo State contingent is led by Mrs. Tolu Adeyemi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Chairman, National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, who represented President Bola Tinubu; Akwa Ibom State Governor and the Chief Host, Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Director, Corporate Services, NDDC, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, MD/CEO, NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Youth and Sports Development, Tolulope Adeyemi, among others.
