The countdown to the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival has officially begun as the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Committee was inaugurated today at the Ministry of Sports headquarters in Uyo.
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With just two months to go until the region’s biggest sporting event kicks off, the newly appointed committee wasted no time, diving straight into their first strategy session to ensure Akwa Ibom delivers an unforgettable festival.
The festival, scheduled from April 1st to 8th, 2025, is set to make history as the first of its kind, providing a dynamic platform for young athletes across the Niger Delta to showcase their talents.
Organized under the banner of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), this groundbreaking event also marks the Commission’s 25th anniversary, blending sports excellence with a celebration of regional development.
In a formal ceremony at 56 Wellington Bassey Way, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Lady Nsa Bassey, urged the committee members to rise to the occasion.
“I charge you all to take this assignment with all sense of responsibility and commitment,” she declared. “You have been chosen because of your expertise and experience in sports development. This is your moment to shine and ensure Akwa Ibom delivers a festival that will be remembered for years to come.”
The ten-member committee, led by Chairperson Brigid Otong and Secretary Inyang Ubong Uwah, includes seasoned sports professionals and respected public figures, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. The full lineup features Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, Lawrence Iquaibom, George I. Essien, Kufre Etukudo, Daniel Umoette, James James, Kate Ekuta, and Janet Bassey.
Following the inauguration, the committee quickly convened its first meeting, dividing into sub-committees to streamline preparations.
Their mandate includes coordinating Akwa Ibom’s athletic contingent, managing logistics, and supporting the Main Organizing Committee to ensure the smooth execution of the festival.
This move comes hot on the heels of last week’s high-profile press conference at NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, where commissioners from all nine participating states—Imo, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ondo, and Delta—pledged their commitment to the festival’s success. Festival Planning Committee Chairman, Alabo Boma Iyaye, highlighted the event’s potential to revolutionize sports development in the region, calling it “a game-changer for youth empowerment and regional unity.”
As the host state, Akwa Ibom now stands at the forefront of this ambitious initiative, with expectations running high. With the Liaison Committee’s swift action and dedication, the state looks poised to deliver a spectacular and memorable festival that will not only showcase athletic prowess but also foster unity and pride across the Niger Delta.
