Temple Izu Dikeocha,
NDDC Rep Assures Athletes of better reward after tournament, says NDDC will not dump or forget them if they win medals for the State.*
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Wednesday 2nd April flagged off the Maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.
The sports festival with the theme “Beyond Oil, Harnessing Talent” was declared open by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Chairman National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko and assisted by the Minister of Regional Development, Hon Engr Abubakar Momoh (Mnse).
Addressing the Imo Contingents at the venue of the flag off, The Imo NDDC State Rep, Hon Dr Kyrian C Uchegbu urged all Imo Athletes to get ready to make the state proud during the festival.
Though, Imo may have strong opponents from other NDDC states to compete with, the Imo NDDC Rep said he is very optimistic that team Imo will emerge strong and come out victorious in flying colours and make our State and the Govt of Sen Hope Uzodinma proud again.
This is a huge opportunity provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and I want to encourage everyone of you to take this seriously. From here, talents could be discovered for national and international competitions,” he said
He urged Imo Athletes to aim and work very hard to top the Medals table as the NDDC will not dump nor forget them after winning medals for the State.
He noted that the 3R administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma remains committed to sports development and urged all Imo athletes to reciprocate the kind gesture and opportunity given to them by the Governor to represent the State by making the state proud at the games, assuring that the 3R government of Sen Hope Uzodinma will receive and reward all the medallists as soon as the competition is over.
Imo cannot participate in this festival without winning any medal, and I assure you that for every Gold, Silver or Bronze medal, there will be reward. The Imo NDDC and the State Governor will receive you immediately after the games and we will reward all the winners handsomely,” he stated.
He appealed to all Imo Athletes who may have participated in the pre-qualification/ trial stage but were not favoured to make it to the maiden edition not to feel discouraged or demoralised but to remain patient and continue to support the govt of the day as the NDDC intends to make the sports festival an annual event.
He urged all participating Imo Athletes to remain focused, united and committed as that will give them upper hands at the tournament over their competitors.
Some Imo Athletes who spoke to the Media thanked the Imo NDDC State Rep for his unwavering support and commitment to Team Imo and noted that they are adequately prepared physically and mentally to make positive impact at the Sports Festival.
“Our target is to win all the medals at the tournament, because Imo has good records when it comes to Sports and our target is to maintain that record.
Over 300 athletes are representing Imo in 17 sports at the Niger Delta Sports Festival beginning from 1st to 9th April 2025 across different centres in Akwa Ibom State.
