Akwa Ibom ready to host NDSF – Gov Eno

Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umoh Eno has expressed the state’s readiness to host the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival scheduled for April 1 to 8, 2025.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Niger Delta Development Commission management on Thursday, Eno thanked the NDDC for choosing Akwa Ibom as host of the inaugural edition.

“We thank you for the privilege to host. Your visit shows your seriousness, and there is no way we will reject it,” Eno said.

“The festival will promote the unity in our diversity and also help the local economy through the various commercial activities, from patronage of hotels, food, transportation and other things involved.”

The governor also highlighted the state’s sporting facilities, particularly praising the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

“These facilities have come through the combination of works done by each administration. The Godswill Akpabio Stadium done by our present Senate President has stood the test of time, and it also takes great efforts to maintain and sustain it.”

NDDC Managing Director Dr Sam Ogbuku explained that the festival aims to foster regional integration and project the Niger Delta’s identity as a sports hub.

“The Niger Delta is a leading sports hub in Nigeria. The region has produced great sports legends, but when we do not do something to sustain that, there will be a decline,” Ogbuku said.

“We have done very well in our interventions on roads, bridges, education, health, the provision of infrastructure in various other sectors, and as we mark the 25th anniversary of the NDDC, we are starting with intervention in sports.”

The NDDC delegation included Executive Director Projects Sir Victor Antai, Executive Director Corporate Services Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, and Akwa Ibom representative on the NDDC board Apostle Edikan Nkono.

The festival’s activities will begin with state trials and selection processes across the 85 federal constituencies in the region, starting from the local government areas.

Eno added that the state would set up a committee to work with the NDDC to ensure successful delivery of the event.

“We will set up a small committee to work with you to deliver the event. We look forward to welcoming the Niger Delta, and together, we will have a good time,” he concluded.