The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has again thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sports development agenda.
He praised the leadership, vision, and organisation behind the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, which officially commenced on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The colourful opening ceremony marked a major step in Nigeria’s grassroots sports development drive, underscoring a renewed commitment to sustainable talent identification and nurturing across the Niger Delta and the country at large.
Speaking at the event, former Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Shaibu, described the Games as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s determination to reposition Nigerian sports by strengthening its foundation.
Shaibu, in a statement by Ben Ogbemudia, S. A. Media, Office of the DG/CEO NIS, noted that initiatives such as the Niger Delta Games play a crucial role in engaging young people positively, steering them away from social vices, and contributing to economic diversification through sports-driven youth participation and national cohesion.
Organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Games have brought together athletes from nine Niger Delta states, offering many participants their first opportunity to compete at an inter-state level and gain wider exposure.
Shaibu further commended the NDDC for its sustained backing of the competition, stressing that continuous investment in youth-centred sports programmes remains a proven pathway to long-term regional peace, stability, and national development.
In his welcome address, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, expressed excitement at hosting the second edition of the Games.
He assured all teams of a warm reception and a secure environment, urging athletes to compete fairly and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.
The Governor also announced a cash reward of 20 million for the overall winners and 10 million for the runners-up.
Former Super Eagles forward, Victor Ikpeba, performed the ceremonial lighting of the Games Torch, officially signalling the start of days of competitive multi-sport action.
As the Games continue, Philip Shaibu is expected to engage further with athletes, officials, and organisers, reinforcing the shared resolve of the National Institute for Sports and the Tinubu administration to develop Nigerian sports from the grassroots to the global stage.