Final preparations were underway on Thursday for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, set to begin on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.
State contingents arrived at the Benson Idahosa University Games Village, the official athletes’ and officials’ accommodation, as rehearsals continued from afternoon into night to perfect the opening ceremony programme.
Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Itiako Ikpokpo, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, expressed satisfaction with the preparations while acknowledging the pressure of delivering a major sporting event.
“We have come far into preparations and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can’t let down your guards at such crucial time,” Ikpokpo told journalists after the ball games draw.
Delta State led the arrival of delegations, followed by Bayelsa and Imo States. Project Director Fred Edoreh confirmed that accreditation logistics had been structured to ensure a smooth process, allowing state contingents to move directly from vehicles to designated tents near the hostels.
Preparations at the stadium included sound checks, choreography, and visual displays, supervised by Edi Lawani, chairman of the Cultural and Entertainment Committee. The two-hour opening ceremony will feature performances from A-list entertainers including Patoranking and gospel artist Eben.
Harry Iwuala, chairman of the Communication and Media Committee, confirmed live broadcasts of the ceremony on Arise Television, African Independent Television (AIT), and News Central from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the games aim to promote grassroots sports development and strengthen regional unity among Niger Delta states.
