Ikpokpo lauds Edo State’s readiness for 2nd Niger Delta Games
Preparations for the 2nd Niger Delta Games have gathered momentum as Dunamis-Icon Limited, Project Consultants for the event, concluded the first phase of inspection and evaluation of facilities in Edo State just 24 hours after the hosting rights were formally presented.
The project management team, led by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, toured key sports infrastructure in Benin City under the guidance of Desmond Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission.
Ikpokpo expressed satisfaction with what he saw, describing Edo as “a ready-made choice based on all the factors that are necessary to host this kind of big event.” He noted that the Games are expected to attract over 3,000 athletes and coaches, alongside journalists and technical officials, with an additional 5,000 spectators anticipated.
Ikpokpo commended the Edo State Government for the state of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, promising support for renovations where necessary to ensure athletes enjoy a world-class competition experience.
‘I have been to the iconic Ogbe Stadium and must commend the Edo State Government for maintaining the facilities there. We are also considering taking some events to the University of Benin, so that people in that part of the city can also feel and enjoy the fun. Where need be, we will also see how to assist the state and the University of Benin to add value to some of the sporting facilities,’ he said.
Dunamis-Icon Limited, which holds the franchise rights to the Games, emphasized that the competition is designed to foster unity and integration while identifying and grooming talented youths from the Niger Delta into national and international stars.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as the flagship interventionist agency for the nine states of the region, is the prime sponsor, aligning the Games with its strategic focus on youth engagement and human capital development.
The inspection began at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the team assessed the main bowl, tartan track, state box, VIP lounges, ceremonial room, media studio, and other indoor facilities. Other venues inspected included the Wire Road Sports Centre, earmarked for basketball and volleyball, the University of Benin Sports Complex, and the Etete Sports Centre.
The Dunamis-Icon delegation featured Project Director Fred Edoreh, Director of Facilities and Equipment Dr Emmanuel Ochuko Igbigbisie, Head of Communications Harry Iwuala, Head of Transport and Logistics Israel Umueri Afoke, Head of Secretariat Theresa Ineke, Head of Scouting Godwin Enakhena, Head of Culture Affairs and Entertainment Mr Edi Lawani, and Elder Siegha Porbeni of the Technical Department.
The Edo Sports Commission team was led by Enabulele, supported by Executive Directors Hon. Frank Ilaboya and Mrs Sabina Chikere, with former international Baldwin Bazuaye (MON) also in attendance.
