Edo State Secures Hosting Rights for 2nd Niger Delta Games in 2026
Edo State has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the 2nd Niger Delta Games by Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 4, at a grand ceremony held in the Ballroom of the Edo State Government House.
The event was attended by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor West Idahosa, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Stanley Ogbuku, Executive Director of Finance and Administration Alabo Boma Iyaye, Dunamis-Icon Chairman Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, and other top government officials and NDDC executives.
Dr. Ogbuku explained that Edo State was deliberately chosen as host for the second edition of the games because of its strong sporting facilities, which will make the 2026 event both enjoyable and successful.
He assured the governor that the NDDC would rehabilitate some of the state’s sports infrastructure ahead of the games, just as it did in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, during the inaugural edition in April 2025.
He recalled that the Uyo Township Stadium, swimming pool, and tracks at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium were all upgraded, which contributed to a boost in the state’s economy as over 3,000 athletes, 500 technical officials, and thousands of visitors participated in the week-long festival.
Governor Okpebholo welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, pledging that Edo State would not only provide the right environment and facilities but also aim to win across all sporting categories.
He emphasized that Edo, known as the ‘Heartbeat of the Nation,’ has the strength, athletes, and determination to deliver a festival that surpasses the previous edition. He noted that while Edo competed with its ‘third eleven’ in Uyo, the state would field its ‘first eleven’ in 2026 to dominate every sport.
In his remarks, Project Consultant Sir Ikpokpo traced the origin of the Niger Delta Games to the vision of nurturing a new generation of young athletes to succeed the older generation who brought pride to the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
He commended the NDDC for partnering in this mission, stressing that the games have become a vital platform for engaging youths through sports.
Bayelsa State emerged champions of the inaugural Niger Delta Games, which took place from April 1 to 8, 2025, in Uyo.
