2nd NDGs: Gov Okpebholo commends Dunamis,, NDDC ... Tells Edo athletes to compete with passion integrity

2nd NDGs: Gov Okpebholo commends Dunamis,, NDDC

... Tells Edo athletes to compete with passion integrity.

Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has commended the organizers and sponsors of the Niger Delta Games Dunamis Icon Ltd and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their initiative,deas and investment geared toward youth and sports development in the Niger Delta region.

The host state Governor gave the commendation in his address during the opening ceremony of the second Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Friday evening.

Governor Okpebholo described the Niger Delta Games as a laudable project that should be embraced and sustained.

"To the organisers, the NDDC, we commend your vision in using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, regional integration, and sustainable peace. When we invest in our youth, we secure their future.

He said that the Games represent more than competition, but that they symbolise possibilities. "The games are a powerful statement that the Niger Delta is not only defined by its resources, but also by its resilience, talent, and boundless human potential.

" Through sports, discipline is taught. Through sports, character is built. Through sports, people across language, culture, and boundaries disappear. In this tournament, there is no division, only teamwork, excellence, and greatness. This is the spirit we must carry beyond this arena into our various communities.". He stressed.

While welcoming all the participants and contingent from the rest part of the region to Edo State, Governor Okpebholo urged the athletes to imbibe the culture of sportsmanship and compete fairly as the games begin.

" On behalf of the Government and good people of Edo State, I warmly welcome all athletes, officials, and distinguished guests to the 2026 Niger Delta Games. We are deeply honoured to host this landmark event in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission.

" To our athletes: you are the pride of the Niger Delta. You carry the dreams of millions of young people who look to you for inspiration. I urge you to compete with passion and integrity. Let your performance reflect the strength, courage, and determination of our people.

" To the organisers and sponsors Dunamis Icon Ltd and the NDDC, we commend your vision in using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, regional integration, and sustainable peace. When we invest in our youth, we secure their future.

" When I was approached by Dunamis Icon Ltd and the NDDC to host the 2nd edition of this wonderful tournament, I hurriedly embraced the offer, but I also promised that ours will be the best outing and will remain the best experience for the youths of the Niger Delta.

The idea of this sports fiesta is to galvanise the energies of our youth population and re-channell it to positive endeavours. This tournament is in line with our SHINE AGENDA whose cardinal objective is sustainable youth development. It is our administration's policy to deliberately balance our developmental drive with meaningful engagement of our youth population. We believe that no meaningful development can be achieved if the youths, who constitute the majority of the population, are ignored.

"Edo State is proud to provide a safe, hospitable, and conducive environment for these Games. May this games forge new friendships, inspire new dreams, and showcase to the nation and the world the true spirit of the Niger Delta.

With unity in our hearts and excellence as our goal, it is my honour and privilege to formally declare the 2026 Niger Delta Games open," the Governor said.