Niger Delta Games opens in Benin with fanfare, glitz

Niger Delta Games opens in Benin with fanfare, glitz

Finishing touches were being put to already made plans for a successful opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Games kicking off Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.

State contingents arrived in succession at the Benson Idahosa University Games camp for athletes and coaches even as rehearsals went on through the afternoon to late night for the ceremonial content of opening day.

Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo wore a mixed demeanor of confidence, satisfaction but yet that anxiety arising from a knack to ensure no last minute slip ups.

"We have come far into preparations and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can't let down your guards at such crucial time", Ikpokpo told the media after the draw for the ball games.

Delta State was the first to arrive and was followed by Bayelsa and Imo States.

"What is in place here is for the state contingents to go from their vehicles straight to the accreditation tents set up near the hostels", explained Fred Edoreh, the Project Director who supervised the seamless process.

Top End Entertainment

Edi Lawani, Chairman of the Cultural and Entertainment Committee was all over the main bowl of the stadium where sound checks, visual displays and choreography was being perfected.

"It is going to be two hours to remember as we have lined up A-list musical and comedy performances", Lawani, the country’s foremost entertainment impresario disclosed as a paced the field in his trademark baggy shots.

The opening ceremony will feature lead performance by Pato Ranking and gospel singer, Eben. 

Live Telecast on Networks 

Chairman of the Communication and Media Committee, Harry Iwuala said the opening ceremony will be broadcast live on three leading television networks.  He listed the stations as Arise Television, African Independent Television (AIT) and News Central starting from 5.30pm to 7.30pm 

The games is sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC).