By Victor Akan
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to hold its maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in April to identify and develop new sporting talents across the region.
Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, said this in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
She said that the competition was scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from April 1 and April 9.
According to her, the competition is organised as part of NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
“The maiden multi-sports festival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for the NDDC to discover and develop new talents while driving innovation in sports,” she said.
Thompson-Wakama said that thousands of young athletes from the nine Niger Delta states would participate in the Olympic-style festival, which would feature more than 10 sporting events.
“The aim of the festival is to assist states in discovering fresh talents and nurturing them into national and international stars.
“These athletes will also be guided towards pursuing professional sports careers to help them become independent,” she added.
Thompson-Wakama affirmed the commission’s intention to make the competition a regular occurrence, noting its role in societal transformation and regional development.
According to her, the competition is being organised in collaboration with the governments of the nine Niger Delta states.
“The event will strengthen grassroots access to sports, revitalise the region’s competitiveness in national sports, and promote interaction, unity, friendship, and security across the Niger Delta,” she said.
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