Abia, Imo Commit to Strict Compliance Ahead of 2026 Niger Delta Games
Preparations for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games have gathered momentum across the region, with Abia and Imo States activating their State Liaison Committees even before their formal inauguration on Tuesday.
At the same time, Delta State held a technical summit for coaches involved in the 17 sports scheduled for the Games, which will take place in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27, 2026.
In Asaba, the Secretary of the Delta State Liaison Committee, Harrison Ocholor, met with coaches and urged them to ensure that only the most qualified athletes emerge from the state trials.
He stressed that the organisers, Dunamis Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have put in place strict guidelines to guarantee a transparent and credible selection process. Ocholor also encouraged the coaches to study and apply the technical booklet issued to them during the session.
In Abia State, the Co‑Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, inaugurated the State Liaison Committee and tasked its members with overseeing all phases of the Games’ preparation, from athlete registration to local government and state trials.
Represented by Project Director Fred Edoreh, Ikpokpo emphasised strict adherence to the rules, warning that age cheating or failure to present the required number of athletes in any sport would lead to automatic disqualification.
Abia State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Ananaba Nwaobilor, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the objectives and regulations of the Niger Delta Games.
Speaking at the Aba Sports Club through the State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, Nwaobilor said the Games complement Governor Alex Otti’s vision of using sports as a tool to empower talented youths.
He added that Abia is determined to uphold the integrity of the competition and thanked the NDDC and the project consultants, led by Sir Malik Ikpokpo, for sustaining the initiative.
In Owerri, the Imo State Liaison Committee was inaugurated at the office of the State Commissioner for Sports. Ikpokpo, represented again by Edoreh, reiterated the importance of enforcing age limits and ensuring early and accurate registration of athletes on the official Games portal. He stressed that only athletes properly registered would be cleared to compete.
Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, praised the NDDC and Dunamis Icon Limited for sustaining the Games for a second consecutive year.
He described the event as a vital platform for talent discovery and development, aligning with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s grassroots sports development agenda.
Onyeocha assured that Imo State is fully committed to quality, discipline and total compliance with all regulations guiding the competition.
