The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), an intervention project of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was designed to be inclusive, accommodating all youths in the region regardless of gender or physical ability.
Speaking on Television’s program, Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, highlighted the festival’s alignment with global inclusivity standards in sports and other aspects of life.
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Explaining the inclusion of Para-Athletics and Para-Lifting among the 17 sporting events, Iyaye emphasized that youths with physical disabilities should also benefit from NDDC’s intervention. He noted that the initiative mirrors international practices, such as the Paralympic Games under the International Olympic Committee (IOC), ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Iyaye, who also chairs the NDSF Main Organizing Committee (MOC), underscored the NDDC’s decision to integrate sports into its intervention programs. He described sports as a unifying force, providing a platform for youths across the nine mandate states to connect, showcase their talents, and build lasting relationships.
“The festival is also a strategic effort to nurture the next generation of athletes who will represent Nigeria on the international stage. We aim to discover and groom talents who can follow in the footsteps of renowned sports icons like Blessing Okagbare, Enefiok Udo-Obong, Blessing Oborodudu, Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amuneke, Seun Ogunkoya, and many others,” Iyaye stated.
Since its establishment in July 2000, the NDDC has focused on infrastructure development, including roads, healthcare, education, and skills acquisition. By venturing into sports, the commission seeks to create opportunities for youths who may not find success in academics or vocational training but have the potential to build a career in sports.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival, which began with trials at the local government and federal constituency levels, will take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1 to 8. Approximately 3,000 athletes will compete across 17 sporting disciplines.
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