Olopade declares 2nd Niger Delta Games closed, says “sports is beyond winning”

Olopade declares 2nd Niger Delta Games closed, says “sports is beyond winning”

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Thursday evening, officially declared the 2nd Niger Delta Games closed in Benin City, Edo State,

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the colourful closing ceremony, Hon. Olopade delivered a passionate address highlighting the broader value of sports to national development, youth empowerment and economic growth.

“Sports is not just about podium placement or, for a better word, winning,” the DG declared. “It is about passion sharing, community engagement, economic empowerment, social integration and the spread of a feel-good atmosphere. All of these are fully entrenched in the Niger Delta Sports Festival.”

He described the Games as a living example of how sport can unify communities while stimulating local economies, adding that the Commission would continue to back the initiative.

“This is why I make a bold statement today that the National Sports Commission will continue to support Dunamis and the Games,” he affirmed.

Hon. Olopade emphasized that the vision behind the festival aligns strongly with President Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning sports as a strategic tool for youth engagement and national development.

“The father of the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has shown in so many ways his determination to use sports as a tool of empowerment and engagement with the most important demographic in our country, the youth,” he said.

He noted that the President’s public commendation of the Commission’s performance in the last calendar year signaled a new era for Nigerian sports.

“For the first time in this country, sport is being given its rightful position in government. The President did not stop at that. Just last week, in a meeting with my brother and Chairman of the Commission, sweeping reform policies were approved. These reforms will ensure that sporting facilities are upgraded and equitably distributed across the nation, while also opening the door for increased private sector involvement in sports.”

“In the last one year, we have taken deliberate steps to collect data from sporting events organized across the country. The numbers show clearly that these Games are putting money in the pockets of our people. They are supporting small businesses, creating direct and induced jobs, boosting corporate sponsorship opportunities and creating visibility for host cities and states.”

He called on Governors of Niger Delta states to deepen their commitment to the Games by working closely with the Niger Delta Development Commission and Dunamis to guarantee sustainability.

“I call on the governors in the Niger Delta to take the bull by the horns by supporting the NDDC and Dunamis in ensuring that these Games become a permanent date on our sporting calendar. After all, it is to the benefit of your states and your people.”

“If I leave this podium without thanking the organizers for joining the Commission in the fight against age cheating and for their continuous efforts toward a clean Games devoid of drug cheats, I will be failing in my responsibility.”

He extended appreciation to the NDDC, Dunamis, the Governor of Edo State, other Governors of the Niger Delta region, the media and, most importantly, the youth.

“The true winners of these Games are the young people of the Niger Delta,” he concluded.

Closing in his characteristic style, the DG added with flair, “I close as a Warri boy with flavor, candor and drama,” drawing cheers from the crowd as the curtain officially fell on a successful second edition of the Niger Delta Games.