Niger Delta Games to reposition region and Nigerian Sports – Ikpokpo

By Chief Harrison

The major objective of the Niger Delta Games is to discover and groom potential podium athletes to reposition the region, not only to sustain its supremacy in national competitions, but to assist in securing the future of Nigerian sports. It is to help empower athletes to attain gainful professional careers in domestic and international sports.

Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Project Consultants of the games, made this clarification on Wednesday in Lagos at the official press unveiling of the 2nd edition of the games.

He said, “Part of the process is by getting down to the grassroots to inspire interest and participation in various sports disciplines, and strengthening eligibility rules to curb issues like age cheating and poaching across states, and encourage states to invest in sports infrastructure.

“Critical to the task is the need for competitions which provide the platform for athletes to showcase their talents. This is what the NDDC is doing by sponsoring the games”.

He emphasised that Dunamis-Icon and NDDC do not intend to own athletes, and therefore challenged the states in the region to take advantage of the opportunity provided through the games to nurture and harness the talents that are discovered.

“The states of the Niger Delta have a duty to harness those talents identified at the games. On our part, we have identified over 600 athletes with potential, and it is left for them to work to help the athletes realise their full potential,” Ikpokpo, who also chairs the board of the Delta State Athletics Association, declared.

He said that each of the nine participating states would present an equal 270 athletes to compete in the 17 sports disciplines to be featured in the games.

Ikpokpo echoed earlier assurances of the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, that the 2nd Niger Delta Games would be more impactful than the first edition.

“Uyo has been acclaimed very successful, but I must admit that it was not perfect. We are going to build on the successes and deliver a more efficient second edition,” he promised.

He disclosed that the event would be held from February 20th to 27, 2026, and commended the host, Edo State, for the availability of needed sports infrastructure, and its maintenance of the iconic Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, amongst others.

In company with Ikpokpo at the media unveiling were Fred Edoreh, the Project Director, Harry Iwuala, head of Communications and publicity, Edi Lawani, head of Culture and Entertainment, Godwin Enakhena, Chairman of the Scouting and Mentorship Committee, and Onome Obrhute, head of Special Duties.

Photo caption

Ikpokpo addressing the media in Lagos