IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

....... As Party launches digital membership registration, reaffirms support for apex leader

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Imo State on Saturday held a significant stakeholders’ meeting as the newly emerged State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Michael Anyanwu, presided over the gathering for the first time since assuming office.

The former lawmaker recently emerged as the State Chairman of the party, succeeding the former chairman, Barr. Greg Okemili. Prior to his emergence, Anyanwu served as the State Secretary of the party, a position in which he played an active role in the party’s organizational development and internal coordination.

The meeting brought together key leaders and stakeholders of the party from across the state in a renewed effort to strengthen the party’s structures, deepen unity among members, and reposition the party for greater relevance and impact in Imo State.

Stakeholders engaged in extensive deliberations on strategies for party growth, grassroots expansion, and stronger internal coordination among party organs. Participants emphasized the need for collective commitment and cooperation as the party continues its efforts to build a stronger political platform in the state.

A major highlight of the meeting was the official flag-off of the party’s E-Membership Registration Exercise, a digital initiative aimed at creating a modern, transparent, and well-coordinated membership system that will enhance participation and strengthen the party’s grassroots base across the state.

Another key moment during the meeting was the unveiling of new members of the State leadership. Hon. Samuel Umunnakwe, a former House of Assembly candidate was presented as the State Secretary, while Nneoma Jane Nwoke was unveiled as the State Deputy Chairman. Their emergence, stakeholders noted, would further strengthen the leadership team as the party works to reposition itself in the state’s political landscape.

In a show of solidarity, stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Apex Leader of the party in Imo State, High Chief Kemdi Chino Opara, PhD, KSC in recognition of his steadfast leadership, guidance, and continued support toward the growth and stability of the party.

The stakeholders also reaffirmed their confidence in the State Working Committee led by Rt. Hon. Anyanwu, pledging their support for the leadership as it works to reposition the party for effective organization and service to the people.

Party leaders described the meeting as productive and forward-looking, expressing optimism that the resolutions reached would further strengthen unity within the party and enhance its capacity to respond to the aspirations of the people of Imo State. 

As the second edition of the Niger Delta Games enters Day-3 in Benin, Edo State, the Scouting Committee has said that it has a mission to identify the next generation of star sportsmen and women from the region.

Chairman of the committee, Godwin Enakhena and his team has been moving round the games venues from morning sessions till the close of the day, monitoring and liaising with the screening committee to ensure that the right athletes were scouted.

"We’re ready to help discover the next Blessing Oborodudu, Victor Ikpeba, Victor Osimhen, Nwankwo Kanu, Efe Ajagba, Enefiok Udo-Obong, Blessing Okagbare, Ese Brume etc for the Niger Delta region", he asserted Sunday afternoon when he joined a group of former athletics stars at the track and field events at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday.

The line up of athletics greats includes Mary Onyali, Henry Amike, Gabriel Okon, Gabriel Opuama and Enefiok Udo-Obong among others.

"We are happy with the job done by the screening committee to ensure that true U-20s are the ones participating in Benin City. 

"We’re going to be meticulous in beaming the searchlight on very talented younger athletes that are being showcased at the Games", he said amidst the din of cheers that trailed the completion of the 400m hurdles final. 

Enakhena recalled that at the last edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, 644 athletes were identified as having the potentials to thrive in the future.

He believes that there exists a possibility to exceed that number given that the states are beginning to embrace the vision of going to the grassroots to discover budding talents.

"To make this happen, we’ve put together experienced coaches and scouts. Blessing Oborududu leads wrestling scouts and Rolake Olagbegi-Kassim leads tennis. She was the first Nigerian female professional tennis player and the first to win Gold and Silver medals at the All-African Games. The longest serving NPFL player, Victor Ezeji will lead the football scouts, amongst others", he disclosed.

The NDG has been programmed to provide a platform for states in the region to discover, test and nurture indigenous budding talents to become national and international champions.

The games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited led by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

By Kennedy Onwunali 

With the countdown to the second edition of the Niger Delta Games underway, Imo State has stepped up preparations, commencing closed camping for its contingent ahead of the February 20–27, 2026 competition in Edo State.

A total of 270 athletes and 46 coaches, drawn from 16 sports associations, have settled into camp at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, where technical and tactical drills have begun in earnest.

Separately, the state’s swimming team has already taken camp in Asaba, where they are undergoing specialised sessions aimed at sharpening endurance and competitive edge before joining the rest of the contingent for the Games.

The Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the State Liaison Committee, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, while addressing the athletes, described the camping programme as a strategic move to boost fitness, discipline and team bonding.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the athletes, assuring them of adequate support throughout the competition. According to him, the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma is determined to reward excellence and celebrate podium finishes.

On his part, Onyeocha promised personal recognition for gold medallists, noting that the team would remain in camp from February 17 to 18 before departing for Edo on February 19. He added that necessary logistics had been provided in line with competition regulations.

The Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission and organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited under the theme, “Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents,” are expected to showcase emerging sporting talents from across the Niger Delta region 

Bayelsa and Delta States took turns to receive the Niger Delta Games Torch on Monday with the Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited and Lead Consultant for the Niger Delta Games, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo declaring that all is in place for Edo state to host the 2nd Niger Delta Games.

"I'm confident to say that Edo is 98% ready, the facilities that needed upgrade has been worked on to the required standard in conjunction with our sponsors, the NDDC.

"The hostels are ready, the facilities are ready, we are just waiting for the athletes to arrive", Ikpokpo told Journalists.

He again spoke on efforts and guidelines put in place to curb the poaching of athletes by participating states.

"The essence of the games is not necessarily to win, but to discover and harness talents that can represent the Niger Delta region and our country, Nigeria. 

"We have done so much to ensure states don't poach athletes and that the athletes are within the stipulated age bracket. We also want a situation where athletes competing are representatives of those states", he stated.

On the state of facilities for the Games, he affirmed that they were ready and urged participating states to strictly adhere to the rules of the games.

The Unity Torch was subsequently handed over to Nigeria’s former swimming star, Blessing Forcados, for onward transmission to Ondo State.

In Bayelsa, Governor Duoyo Diri, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, praised the games organisers and sponsors for the initiative.

Receiving the Torch at a ceremony which took place at the Samson Siasia Complex, the Governor described the games as having placed the Niger Delta region as the leader in sport development.

"Let me thank the Niger Delta Development Commission and Dunamis Icon Limited for initiating the Games. 

"With this initiative, they have placed the Niger Delta States ahead of every other region in the country. So, we commend them for this and we hope that they would even put up a bigger and better games this time", he stated.

The Lighting of the Festival Torch represents unity of all the States in the Niger Delta region. The goal of every sporting event is to unify participating States, athletes and officials. It is used to foster a spirit of friendship and compete in a fair competitive environment.

The 2nd edition of Niger Delta Games will formally open on Friday, February 20, while the Closing ceremony takes place on Thursday, February 26.

Pics.._Sir Itiako Ikpokpo addressing the Delta State Torch reception team in Asaba on Monday_ 

By- Alambo Datonye Fred 

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State will lead a cast of government officials to receive the festival torch for the 2nd Niger Delta Games.

The Festival Torch is expected to arrive in Yenagoa, the State capital on Saturday, February 14th, 2026.

Incidentally, the event coincides with the 6th Anniversary of the Governor since he took the mantle of leadership in the State on February 14th, 2020.

Governor Diri would be accompanied by the Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali and the Director of the State Sports Council, Andrew Aye to receive the torch on Saturday morning.

Chairman/CEO of Dunamis Icon Limited, project consultant of the Niger Delta Games Chief Itiako Ikpokpo is also expected to lead the organisers to the occasion.

Ikpokpo said the fiesta would further unite the people of the Niger Delta region and provide a platform for the discovery of future sporting stars from the area.

The 2nd edition of Niger Delta Games is expected to start on February 20, 2026, though arrival of the participating teams is February 19, 2026.

The Closing ceremony is due to hold on February 26.

The Games is the first regional sports festival in the country. 

It was the turn of Abia State to receive and parade the Niger Delta Games Torch on Thursday morning as one of the Games Ambassadors, Joseph Edidiong brought it in from Akwa Ibom.

Edidiong, a weight-lifter clad in the colourful Akwa Ibom tracksuit arrived Umuahia Township Stadium and was met by Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, the State Sports Commissioner and Chairman of the State Liaison Committee.

Ananaba, then led the procession to the Government House where they were received by the Governor, Alex Otti who was represented by the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole and accompanied by Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the Chief of Staff at Government House.

Meribole said the state has made necessary preparations to draw a decent performance at the games starting in Benin, Edo State from February 20-27.

He charged the athletes to compete with courage and win fairly and congratulated the nine states of the region for being the first to have their own regional multi-sports competition. The SSG expressed the expectation that the region will extend its dominance in discovering and raising athletes for the country.

Meribole would go on to commend the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for accepting to sponsor the games as designed and implemented by Dunamis-Icon Limited.

On hand to witness and supervise the process was Fred Edoreh, the Project Director for the Games, who thanked the state for the reception accorded the Torch ceremony. 

According to the Torch Tour roaster, Imo State is next on the line to receive the Games symbol. 

At the end of a scheduled facilities tour of venues for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, Hon Desmond Amadin Enabulele, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission applauded the organisers, Dunamis-Icon Limited and the sponsor, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the renewal of sporting facilities across Benin City.

Enabulele led some members of the Commission's management team on the tour that saw them visiting the Tennis courts, swimming pool and indoor sports hall at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and the basketball and volleyball courts at Wire Road Sports Centre. 

The chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of renovation work already completed by the organisers of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon Ltd.

" The facility upgrade is 90 percent ready and we are very happy with what is on ground. The upgrade counts as one of numerous benefits of the Games being hosted by our state. The tennis court at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium and the indoor halls are fully ready. Work on the swimming pool is ongoing and at an advanced stage. We are ready ". Enabulele declared.

The Edo State Sports Commission boss also paid a visit to the state contingent for the Games and urged them to return an improved performance to their outing in Uyo. He counselled them to be disciplined and to focus on their training in order to achieve the target set for themselves.

He gave the charge on Tuesday, February 10,2026 when he officially declared Team Edo camp open and ready for the second Niger Delta Games in Benin.

Declaring the camping open for the host state athletes in the highbrow Governance Reservation Area of Benin, Enabulele told the athletes and coaches that the responsibility of Edo State to deliver and to set a new record of achievements rests on their shoulders. He assured them that the state government has done it's part by providing the resources to keep them in camp with top notch facilities and welfare.

"We are ready for the 2026 Niger Delta Games. Congratulations to you all here. Remember we have a lot of intelligent and brilliant people in our state. So for you to be selected for the task,you are already a winner. From now on you should know you are now state Ambassadors because you are representing Edo state.

"As we are in this camp, discipline must be our watchword. We have set target for ourselves and to achieve the goals,you must be disciplined. Without discipline and commitment it is difficult to achieve much as sports men and women.

"In this particular edition of the Niger Delta Games,we are not just participating or adding to the number of teams, but we are working towards hosting to win. We can do it if we are disciplined as host state." Enabulele said.

He challenged the athletes to improve on their performance in the first edition of the games in Uyo, reminding them that Edo State won the highest number of silver and bronze medals at the Uyo Games.

"We must be ready to change the narrative this time. In the last outing, we had the highest number of silver and bronze medals. So we must do better to convert those Silver and Bronze to gold," he urged them adding that the athletes should be ready to set new records for the state.

Head coach of the Basketball team, Victor Umoru responded on behalf of the contingent and commended the Commission for taking good care of the athletes and their coaches.

The camp was opened on Sunday, February 8 ahead the games starting on February 20 to 27. 

Games Torch for the 2nd Niger Delta Games began its journey to Benin, Edo State on Monday, February 9 in Calabar, Cross River State.

The Torch, which is the symbol of the Games will pass through the capitals of all nine participating states that make up the Niger Delta region.

In Calabar, the Torch bearer, Patience Okon George led some Sports Commission officials and athletes from the U.J Esuene Stadium to the Governor's office where they were officially received by the state's Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, organisers of the games.

A colourful procession which included young men and women dressed in the famous Calabar Carnival costumes. They danced to local Efik tunes belted from loud speakers mounted on trucks.

Odey, who stood in for Governor Bassey Otu, assured the state athletes that they would be adequately provided with equipment and welfare support to excel at the games, charging them to compete fairly to win in all the sports.

Ikpokpo commended the State Liaison Committee members for organising an entertaining Torch Tour and encouraged other states to design their own unique tour event.

According to a roaster released by organisers of the games, Akwa Ibom State is the next stop for the Torch on February 10. It will then proceed to Abia on the 11th, Imo on 12th February, and Rivers State on February 13.

Bayelsa will host the Games Torch on February 14, while Delta State would receive it on February 16, from where it proceeds to Ondo on the 18th. 

The Games Torch would light the cauldron at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to symbolise the start of the Games on the opening day and would on the last day, be handed over to the next host state.

The Niger Delta Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). 

By Kennedy Onwunali

Imo State has intensified preparations for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games billed to hold in Edo State, with athletes across various sports stepping up training programmes ahead of the competition.

A visit to training venues across the state showed increased activities among athletes and coaches, as teams in athletics, football, basketball, handball, table tennis and taekwondo intensify preparations to represent the state at the regional sporting event.

Coaches and trainers have been working assiduously with athletes to improve their fitness level, technical abilities and team coordination.

Athletics athletes are currently focusing on speed, endurance and discipline, while the football team has stepped up tactical drills and physical conditioning to enhance performance.

Basketball players, Viva Herbert and Chukwueze Obi, expressed excitement at the opportunity to represent the state, assuring that the team is fully committed to achieving positive results at the games.

Similarly, handball players Lucky Udo and Chiyere Okeke said the team has intensified training sessions with determination to make Imo State proud.

Table tennis player, Udochukwu Udaku, expressed confidence in her preparation, stating that she is certain of finishing the competition with a podium performance.

Taekwondo athletes are concentrating on strength, flexibility and technical discipline, while Tony Ibe pledged to deliver an impressive performance, expressing confidence in his readiness for the competition.

Athletics athletes, Uche Vivian and Nomso Chukwuocha, described participation in the games as an opportunity to gain exposure and improve their sporting careers.

Officials have urged the athletes to maintain discipline and remain focused as the state targets an impressive performance at the Niger Delta Games.

In Ondo State, the vision of organisers of the Niger Delta Games is already gaining traction as the state has now adopted a policy to have coaches scout for talents in villages and local government areas.

The local governmen, federal constituency and state trials have been an integral process for athletes selection for participation I the finals.

At the conclusion of the local government trials in Ondo State ahead the state trials next Monday, the Ondo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon Segun Omoyofunmi announced the state's resolve to henceforth continously embark on talent discovery.

"Coaches and organising Secretaries must henceforth be posted to all zonal offices to sustain the ‘catch-them-young’ policy of the Ondo State Government. 

"Zonal offices are to be made functional to enable the discovery of more young athletes who will continue to make Ondo State proud", he directed.

On the exercise conducted by the Screening Committee of the organisers, the Commissioner who also heads the State Liaison Committee for the games, expressed satisfaction with the outcome after all the screened athletes were cleared.

“This screening has been an eye-opener for the management, coaches and other officials of the Ondo State Sports Council to work beyond the Niger Delta Games by harnessing the potential we are seeing here."

"I have attended all the Niger Delta Games trials and screening venues with my committee, and I can boldly say that we are truly blessed with an abundance of talent in Ondo State", he concluded.

The screening, held at the Ondo City Stadium, featured about 400 athletes who will be competing in boxing, table tennis, volleyball and athletics.

The Niger Delta Games is scheduled to hold in Edo State between February 20 and 27 , with Ondo, Imo, Delta, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa and Edo States set to compete for podium finishes.

Edo State is already reaping the benefits of hosting the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games as the organisers have completed significant upgrades on the sporting facilities earmarked for the competition

Just as was done in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, prior to the start of the 1st edition, the organisers and the sponsor, Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) have kept the promise of improving facilities in host states.

Considerable rehabilitation work is ongoing at the 50 meter long and 20 feet deep Olympic standard swimming pool at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and also at the tennis courts beside the main arena 

"Your Excellency, let me offer you the assurance that as part of our intervention policy, sporting facilities for the Games will be upgraded to meet international standards," Dr. Samuel Ogbuku had said to Governor Monday Okpebholo during the unveiling of the state as hosts of the Games on December 4.

The assurance was again restated by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, organizers of the games during a recent inspection tour of the facilities.

"We have carried out the assessment of the facilities that will host the competitions, and in a few weeks, there will be a major transformation of those that have deteriorated. 

"It is a legacy that the games bring to host states," Ikpokpo told journalists at the end of the inspection.

Other renovated facilities include the twin volleyball and basketball courts at the Wire Road Sports Centre, which have been provided dressing rooms and conveniences.

Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta States are among the nine members of the regional bloc. Others are Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

Over 3000 athletes and 500 coaches will be participating in the games for 16 sports. The games will be held from February 20-27. 

Edo State has officially begun athlete trials across its local government areas ahead of the 2nd Niger Delta Sports Festival, set for February 20–27, 2026. 

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, applauded the athletes and technical officials for their commitment, describing the turnout and enthusiasm at centres in Akiko-Edo, Auchi, Uromi and Ikpoba-Okha as impressive.

Hon. Enabulele said the commencement of LGA trials signals Edo’s full preparation mode, with the exercise expected to wrap up at the state level by February 12 before close camping begins. 

He urged coaches and officials to be thorough in selecting the best U-20 talents capable of bringing glory to the state, adding that Edo is fully ready to host a seamless Niger Delta Games in Benin City.

Trials kicked off in sports including weightlifting, handball, volleyball, chess and athletics, with final athlete lists expected between Friday and Tuesday. 

Coaches revealed that while some athletes are already known at state level, several raw talents discovered from rural areas could earn places. 

The festival will feature over 3,000 athletes, 500 coaches and officials, competing across 16 sports.

Expectedly, the trials for Delta State contingent to the 2nd Niger Delta Games drew a huge number of athletes to Asaba, the state capital.

This year’s edition of the Games, organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited for the nine states that make up the region under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will hold in Benin City, Edo State from February 20 to 27.

Last year in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Team Delta was beaten to the title by Bayelsa State with the odd gold medal on the last day of competition.

This time around, Team Delta do not seem prepared to leave anything to chance.

On Wednesday, due to the large turn out of athletes, Team Delta officials decided to split the scheduled trials into two phases, with the first phase running from Friday, February 6 to February 8.

The Chairman, Delta Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborievwori, stated on Wednesday that the final trials will run from February 9 to 11.

“After these two phases of the trials, our athletes will begin main camping for the Niger Delta Games on February 12. At the moment, we have 374 athletes and 51 officials set for this trials. Our athletes will be camped in various locations in Asaba, and they will depart for Benin City on February 19,” Oborevwori stated.

Meanwhile, the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Sports, Festus Ohwojero, has praised the leadership of Delta Sports Commission for the various steps taken, particularly on welfare of athletes and officials ahead of the Games.

Ohwojero, who is the immediate past Director General of Delta Sports Commission, said he is optimistic of Team Delta topping the medals table at the end of the Games in Benin City on February 27.

Among the sports expected to feature in Team Delta’s trials include athletics, chess, table tennis, tennis, scrabble, handball, wrestling, football, volleyball, swimming, taekwondo, powerlifting, basketball, boxing and weightlifting.

Over 3000 athletes and 500 officials will participate in this year’s 2nd Niger Delta Games.

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It has been a frenzy of activities at the nine states offices of the Liaison Committees of the 2nd Niger Delta Games and on the fields with athletes and their coaches undergoing trials, screening and putting finishing touches to their preparations.

BAYELSA

The overall champions of the 1st edition, Bayelsa State concluded screening of registered athletes and set dates for state final trials to select representatives that will make the trip to Benin. 

Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council, Mr. Andrew Aye says the trial will hold on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The Bayelsa contingent won a total of 86 medals made up of 42 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze medals to top the table at the end of the festival sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Team Delta finished in second position garnering 99 medals comprising 41 gold, 26 silver and 32 bronze, while Team Edo were 3rd with 23 gold, 35 silver and 31 bronze medals.

 AKWA IBOM

Some athletes from the state are brimming with confidence on their medal chances with not a few promising to return from Benin with gold medals.

Destiny Ini Umoh is a table tennis player who didn't mince words in predicting he would claim the gold medal.

"I have trained very well and will continue to focus on my game to make my state proud when we go to Benin", Umoh said in a recorded video from his training site.

Getting off her Para Powerlifting training bench, Patience Elijah spoke into the camera lens, saying, "we won in the last festival and will win more this time in Edo.

Akwa Ibom State witnessed large turnout of athletes and fans for their trials at different locations in Uyo that included the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Ultrafit Gym, West Itam Secondary School. It left Paul Bassey, the state's Commissioner for Sports upbeat that the state will make improved medals returns from Benin.

IMO STATE

State Liaison Committee Chairman, Hon Obinna Onyeocha was sighted in pictures and videos supervising preparations at the Dan Anyiam Stadium and the Committee's offices.

The Secretary of the Committee, Willie Okolieogwo spoke of the state's areas of strength in wrestling, handball, football and Para Powerlifting.

"We have done considerably well to motivate our athletes and look forward to a good outing, certainly better than our performance in Uyo", he assured.

RIVERS STATE 

Chris Green, the State Liaison Committee Chairman was for the first time seen involved with the contingent, apparently taking a break from the Rivers United CAF Champions League involvement.

The state final trials have been spread across the week with the football event slated for Saturday. Some of the potential basketball representatives shot videos in which they spoke of retaining the gold they won in Uyo.

From Asaba, Benin and Akure, the young ones are all caught up in anticipation to be part of the biggest regional multi-sports competition in Africa. 

All the teams are to arrive on February 19 and would be camped at the upscale Benson Idahosa University.

His Excellency, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu heartily congratulates the government and people of Imo State on the occasion of the Imo@50 anniversary celebration.

Describing the golden jubilee as a moment of deep reflection, Ugwumba noted that the milestone provides an opportunity to appreciate the shared journey of Imo State, the resilience of its people, and the immense promise of its future.

He paid special tribute to the heroes past, as well as political, traditional, and religious leaders including various groups and spirited individuals whose sacrifices, vision, and selfless service have contributed significantly to the growth, stability, and identity of the State, noting that their legacies remain the foundation upon which Imo continues to build.

As Imo State marks this historic landmark, Ugwumba reaffirmed his commitment to the unity, progress, and overall wellbeing of Ndi Imo.

He wished the present government of Imo state under the leadership His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma and the good people of Imo state a happy 50th anniversary. 

Team Imo has stepped up preparations for the upcoming Niger Delta Games (NDG) in Edo State following a final pre-Games meeting held in Owerri. 

Addressing coaches and officials at the Office of the Commissioner for Sports, the Commissioner and Chairman of the State Liaison Committee, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, charged the technical crew to take the assignment seriously, instil discipline in their athletes and aim for podium finishes.

Hon. Onyeocha also announced that a State Local Organising Committee will be constituted to ensure effective coordination and smooth participation of Team Imo at the Games. He was supported by the committee’s Secretary, Hon. Willy Okoloigwe, who urged the team to represent Imo State with honour, unity and total commitment.

Responding on behalf of the coaches, Coach Ogueria assured the state government and sports authorities that Team Imo would make the state proud in Edo, noting that lessons learnt from the first edition of the Games have strengthened the team’s preparations for improved performance.

#NDGEdo2026 

#NigerDeltaGames2026 #TheSpiritOfTheNigerDelta #BeyondOilHarnessingTalents

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo and Wilson Amaefule

Imo State athletes have expressed high spirits and strong optimism as preparations intensify for the second phase of the Niger Delta Games scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State

The Games, organised by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will bring together athletes from the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta to compete across several sporting disciplines, in what is expected to be a keenly contested celebration of grassroots sports development.

Speaking on his readiness, Emmanuel Kelechi Kingsley, a 400 metres athlete in the male category, said preparations were in top gear, noting that the competition offers a valuable platform to showcase talent at a regional level.

“We are really preparing for the Niger Delta Games coming up in February in Benin City. We want the NDDC to give us a fair playing ground to show our best, and with the level of our training, I am hopeful of clinching the gold medal,” he said.

Also expressing confidence, Sophia Chika, who will compete in the 400 metres female athletics event, described the training sessions as intense but rewarding, adding that she is determined to make Imo State proud at the Games.

From the table tennis arena, Udeh Success Favour of Owerri West Local Government Area said she was optimistic about her chances, expressing faith that consistent training and discipline would translate into victory at the competition.

Basketball player, Chukwuka Onyeise Harrison from Ezinihitte Mbaise described the Edo Games as a unifying sporting platform, while appreciating the NDDC and Dunamis Icon for creating opportunities for young athletes to develop and pursue their passion.

For Precious Adindu from Obowo Local Government Area, the excitement is even more personal, as the Edo 2026 Games will mark her first appearance at the Niger Delta Games, an opportunity she described as both motivating and inspiring.

She expressed confidence in a strong outing, stating that she is determined to compete creditably and return home with honours for Imo State.

‎Bayelsa State was the surprise winner of top position on the medals table at the inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Games in Uyo, edging Delta State by an odd gold medal on the last day of competitions.

The state finished top with 46 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze medals, a total 86 medals, and some of the athletes preparing to represent the state at the 2nd edition in Benin, Edo State have expressed confidence to successfully retain the pole position.

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In separate ‎interviews at their camp in Yenagoa, the state capital, some of the athletes spoke shortly after training, and didn't mince words in expressing their determination to dominate at the Games holding from February 20-27.

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One of those who spoke is wrestler, Emmanuel Okike, and he was adamant that the goal of Team Bayelsa is to retain the first position on medals count at the Niger Delta Games. Okike pegged his claims on the level and quality of preparations they have been undergoing, citing the wrestling team's drills.

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‎"I am very happy to be part of the Niger Delta Games, we have been doing well in all the competitions we have attended so far such that I can confidently say that Bayelsa has gone beyond participation to winning tournaments", Okike declared while trying to catch his breath after a bout with another team mate.

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Echoing the same sentiment is a 61kg freestyle wrestler, Ebiere Frank, who insisted that Team Bayelsa is going to Benin to affirm its dominance in wrestling. He pointed out that the State would use the games as preparatory championship for other competitions slated for later in the year.

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Like Okike, Ebiere commended the foresight of the Games originator, Dunamis-Icon Limited and the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their partnership that birthed the games for youths. Ebiere is of the firm conviction that the region stands to benefit from the continuous staging of the games in the area of discovery of talented sportsmen and women.

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‎Gonibo Jessica, a basketball player, asserted that Team Bayelsa would return with the gold medal in basketball, stating that the competition has become a stepping stone for young athletes to excel at national and international sporting events. 

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While describing the games as a laudable initiative, urged the Commission to sustain their sponsorship of the competition which has become a launch pad to the development of sports at the grassroots.

As per the rules of the games, Bayelsa State would be fielding male and female athletes in all the 16 sports events.

Photos:

1. Gonibo Jessica

2. Emmanuel Okike

3. Ebiere Frank 

Organisers of the Niger Delta Games say the competition will continue to be an integral part of the sporting calendar of the National Sports Commission for the overall objective to change the trajectory of Grassroots sports development in Nigeria.

This is according to Mr Malik Ikpokpo, chairman of Dunamis Icon , organisers of the Niger Delta Games during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade.

Mr Ikpokpo said his visit to the NSC is to formally brief the Director General on the preparations towards the successful staging of the games this year in Edo state.

He stated that the successful organisation of the first edition of the games last year in Akwa Ibom state was largely due to the strategic support of the NSC under the leadership of Mallam Shehu and Hon Bukola Olopade.

” We are very excited at the Niger Delta games that we have a very cordial relationship with the NSC and they have been very supportive in providing us with every form of technical and logistic assistance.

” This is why I am here to let the DG know our level of preparation as regards what our sponsor, NDDC are doing and how far we have gone with our host, Edo state, in their readiness to welcome the entire nine Niger Delta states”.

He added that the Niger Delta Games is not just another competition but a sustainable breeding ground to discover and nurture Nigeria’s future talents.

” The Niger Delta games align perfectly with the new vision of the NSC to have a vibrant and sustainable sports economy that works through organisation of regular domestic competitions of international standard”, he concluded.

The 2026 Niger Delta games is scheduled to hold from February 20th to 26th in Edo state. 

Imo State is wearing a new glow of confidence and optimism as it prepares for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games. Across the state, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, unity, and renewed belief in the power of sports to inspire, heal, and transform communities. From grassroots athletes to seasoned administrators, there is a shared determination to showcase Imo State as a hub of talent, discipline, and sporting excellence.

The government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure and youth development has begun to yield visible results. Training facilities are being upgraded, athletes are better motivated, and technical crews are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and memorable outing. Beyond competition, the Niger Delta Games represent a platform for cultural exchange, regional unity, and the discovery of future champions who will carry the nation’s colours with pride.

For Imo State, this edition is more than a sporting event; it is a statement of readiness and ambition. It reflects a people eager to compete with honour, embrace teamwork, and project a positive image of resilience and progress. As the countdown continues, Imo State stands upbeat and prepared, ready to make a strong impression and reaffirm its place as a leading force in sports development within the Niger Delta and beyond.