NDG Edo 2026: Sports Commissioner Hails Athletes, NDDC, Dunamis as A’Ibom State Trials end in Uyo

NDG Edo 2026: Sports Commissioner Hails Athletes, NDDC, Dunamis as A’Ibom State Trials end in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has lauded athletes and coaches of the state for their performance at the just concluded state trials of the upcoming second Niger Delta Games.

The state trials which commenced last Thursday, January 30, and concluded yesterday, Tuesday, February 3, featured all sixteen approved sports of the games and culminated in the selection of 270 athletes who will fly state colours when the multi-sports championship gets under way in Edo state in a fortnight.

In a statement, Mr Bassey, a veteran sports administrator and technical official, described as top-notch the competitiveness, determination and desire that the athletes brought to the fore throughout the five-day exercise.

“I congratulate the athletes who got selected to represent our beloved state at the games, and urge them to go on and make our state and people proud.”

“I congratulate the athletes who did not get selected, but who took part in the trials, because they have now earn themselves a place on our recently launched state sports database.” Mr Bassey stated.

The sports boss went on to shower encomiums on the Niger Delta Development Commission – NDDC, sponsors of the games, for giving back to society, and eulogized Dunamis-Icon Limited, organizers of the games, for the professional touch it has given to the meet, noting that the games were capable of uniting the region and reshaping its future.

According to Mr Bassey, “These games are such a profitable way for the NDDC to give back to society through its corporate social responsibility; the economic, social and ethical values that these games bring are enormous.” “Through these games, the NDDC has shown that there is indeed a future for this region beyond oil.”

“While I thank the NDDC for sponsoring this championship, I also particularly thank the consulting firm for the games, Dunamis-Icon Limited, for the organizational proficiency, touch of professionalism and technical shrewdness that I have witnessed right from the maiden edition, last year, up until this edition.”

The second Niger Delta Games, with the theme “Beyond oil: harnessing talents”, will be held in Edo state from February 20 to 27, and will be competed by all nine states of the oil-rich region.