By Silvernews
The Imo State Liaison Committee has reaffirmed the state’s readiness to participate in the Niger Delta Sports Festival, set to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1 to April 8, 2025. Organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with Dunanis Icon Limited, the festival will bring together over 3,000 athletes, 600 coaches, and 300 media practitioners from the nine NDDC mandate states. The event aims to promote talent discovery, human capital development, and sports infrastructure in the region, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative and the vision of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s 3R Agenda for sports development.
Imo State will be represented by 600 under-25 athletes drawn from its 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs), competing in 17 sports including athletics, football, basketball, wrestling, swimming, and weightlifting. Registration is ongoing via https://nigerdeltasportfestival.com/ and at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, closing on March 7, 2025. State trials are scheduled for March 4, while the open camp runs from March 17–23 and the closed camp from March 24–30 before the team departs for Uyo on April 1, 2025.
Honorable Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodinma, Local Government Executive Chairmen, and Hon. Mrs. Rubby Emele, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, for their support. He also commended the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for helping to publicize the event. Coaches and athletes have been urged to attend the trials and prepare adequately for the competition.
With Imo State’s preparations in full gear, the Niger Delta Sports Festival promises to be a landmark event for sports in the region. The commissioner expressed confidence that new talents will emerge, and Imo State will make a strong impact at the festival, further solidifying its reputation in Nigerian sports.
