Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its efforts in fostering sports development to discover new talents in the region and across the nation.
The governor made the remarks during the Monthly State Covenant Service at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, where he also confirmed that all arrangements had been finalized for the grand opening of the Niger Delta Sports Festival at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Gov. Eno encouraged citizens and residents of the state to actively participate in the festival. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the sports facilities recently refurbished by the NDDC and expressed confidence in the successful hosting of the event.
“I assure you of all necessary support to ensure the safety and well-being of participants throughout the festival. I also urge the organizers to take advantage of the peaceful environment of our state to make this competition truly memorable,” Gov. Eno stated.
According to event organizers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to attend the opening ceremony of the festival in Uyo today, Wednesday.
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The event will feature over 3,000 athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta, competing in 17 sporting disciplines.
The competition will take place across six venues, including the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and the West Itam Sports Centre. The festival is set to conclude with a closing ceremony on April 9.
National Daily reports that contingents from the nine Niger Delta states have already arrived in Uyo for the event.