Niger Delta Games open in Benin with glitz

By our reporter

All is set for the opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Games on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.

State contingents arrived in succession at the Benson Idahosa University Games camp for athletes and coaches, even as rehearsals went on through the afternoon to late night for the ceremonial content of opening day.

Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, showed confidence and satisfaction.

“We have come far into preparations, and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can’t let down your guards at such a crucial time,” Ikpokpo told the media after the draw for the ball games.

Delta was the first to arrive and was followed by Bayelsa and Imo states.

“What is in place here is for the state contingents to go from their vehicles straight to the accreditation tents set up near the hostels”, explained Fred Edoreh, the Project Director who supervised the process.

Entertainment

Edi Lawani, Chairman of the Cultural and Entertainment Committee, was all over the main bowl of the stadium where sound checks, visual displays, and choreography were being perfected.

“It is going to be two hours to remember as we have lined up A-list musical and comedy performances”, Lawani, one of the country’s foremost entertainer said.

The opening ceremony will feature a lead performance by Pato Ranking and gospel singer Eben.

Live Telecast

Chairman of the Communication and Media Committee, Harry Iwuala, said the opening ceremony will be broadcast live on three leading television networks.  He listed the stations as Arise Television, African Independent Television (AIT), and News Central,l starting from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

The event is sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Photo: Niger Delta Games athletes arriving in Benin City.