By Uzoamaka Onwu
The Executive Director of Finance and Administration (EDFA) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) 25th Anniversary, Chief Boma Iyaye, has emphasized the role of sports as a unifying force in the country.
Speaking at the Niger Delta Sports Festival Organizing Committee meeting with Sports Commissioners from the NDDC mandate states, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Chief Iyaye highlighted the significance of the upcoming festival. He explained that the NDDC is organizing the event as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations, underscoring the role of sports in fostering unity and development across the region.
Addressing the commissioners, he stressed that the mandate states would play crucial roles in the success of the festival, urging them to ensure full participation from their respective states.
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Adding to the discussions, the festival’s consultant, Mr. Itiakpo Ikpokpo, described the event as a platform to discover new sporting talents in the region. He urged the sports commissioners to prioritize grassroots talent selection based strictly on merit, ensuring that the festival remains free from political interference.
In a similar vein, the Director of Programmes for the consulting firm, Mr. Fred Edorel, took the gathering through a nostalgic journey, presenting a slide show that showcased sports legends from the Niger Delta who have brought pride to the nation. His presentation served as a reminder of the region’s rich history in sports and the need to sustain that legacy through initiatives like the Niger Delta Sports Festival.