NDG2026: Sports Commissioner, Elder Paul Bassey Applauds Young Talents

NDG2026: Sports Commissioner, Elder Paul Bassey Applauds Young Talents

February 25

Elder Paul Bassey, Honorable Commissioner of Sports, Akwa Ibom State, has expressed immense satisfaction with the state’s young athletes at the 2026 Niger Delta Games.
In his own words, he said:

“I’m happy with our young talents all over. If we came 2nd, 3rd — good! This government is just one year old, but we are already producing amazing results. I’m not medal conscious; what matters is that they started winning early. Look at track and field — you have Edo, Bayelsa, but we are winning everywhere!”

The Commissioner highlighted that the success of Akwa Ibom athletes stems from a solid foundation laid through grassroots programs like the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival. According to him, early talent identification and consistent training ensure that young athletes are ready, determined, and confident when they step onto larger stages like the Niger Delta Games.

Elder Bassey also acknowledged the role of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in providing platforms that encourage and inspire young talents, while urging the nine NDDC Governors to sustain momentum and strengthen support for youth sports.

He added that the state government is committed to continuous investment in youth sports, with structured plans to develop athletes at all levels. “We are building a pipeline that will not only produce champions today but sustain excellence for years to come,” he noted.

He concluded by assuring that Akwa Ibom State remains dedicated to nurturing its athletes from grassroots to elite levels, emphasizing that investing in young talents today guarantees the state’s sporting success tomorrow.

#TeamAkwaIbom
#Edo2026
#NDG