By Kennedy Onwunali
Paul Bassey, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports and former General Manager of Akwa United F.C., has lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon for their collaboration, which he said has revitalised sports development across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the close of the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Benin City, Edo State, Bassey expressed satisfaction with Akwa Ibom’s performance at the Games.
The state finished fourth overall on the medals table with 16 gold, 22 silver and 22 bronze medals, amassing a total of 55 medals in what he described as a strong outing for the delegation.
According to him, the reward programme instituted by the Akwa Ibom State Government played a pivotal role in motivating the athletes to deliver podium finishes.
“Our objective is not just to host or win medals, but to discover talents that will take the world by storm in the coming years,” Bassey stated.
He cited the example of the 800 metres gold medallist who had finished last at the previous edition in Uyo but rebounded to claim top honours in Benin City, describing the feat as evidence of resilience and the impact of sustained encouragement.
Bassey disclosed that the state government approved ₦500,000 for each gold medallist, alongside other incentives for outstanding performers.
He further recounted his interaction with one of the athletes who received ₦2 million in motivational incentives last December and decided to share the reward with family members, a gesture he said underscores the positive impact of the policy.
The commissioner commended Dunamis Icon for conceptualising the NDDC Games initiative and praised the NDDC for sponsoring what he called a landmark competition that is reshaping the sporting landscape of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
