By Kennedy Onwunali
Ahead of the Niger Delta Games scheduled to begin on February 20, 2026, in Edo State, the Imo State Government has commenced camping of athletes selected to represent the state at the competition.
The Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Everestus Obinna Onyeocha, disclosed this on Monday during a meeting with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), coaches and members of the State Liaison Committee at the State Secretariat in Owerri.
Onyeocha said no fewer than 270 athletes would move into camp on Tuesday for final preparations before departing for Edo State.
According to him, the athletes will remain in camp for two days ahead of the competition.
“Camping of the athletes will start tomorrow, Tuesday, and they will be there for two days before taking off to Edo,” he said.
The commissioner revealed that Imo would participate in 16 sporting events at the Games, including football, table tennis, boxing, handball and taekwondo, among others.
He, however, disclosed that the state’s swimming team is already in camp in Asaba, Delta State, where they have been undergoing intensive preparations ahead of the Games.
Onyeocha charged members of the LOC to expedite action to ensure seamless camping arrangements and the provision of adequate facilities in good condition to enhance effective training.
He confirmed that fumigation of the hostels had commenced and urged committee members to conduct on-the-spot assessments of the camps to ascertain the level of preparedness.
The commissioner further directed that any facility found to be in poor condition should be promptly reported to his office for immediate intervention.
He also announced the constitution of two sub-committees — Accommodation/Facilities and Camping/Training — comprising the 15 members of the LOC, to oversee logistics and technical preparations.
While commending the Media Committee for its efforts so far, Onyeocha urged members to intensify publicity to ensure adequate coverage of Imo State’s participation at the Niger Delta Games.
