Niger Delta Games Torch Ceremony Lights Up Port Harcourt Streets
Port Harcourt came alive on Friday, February 13, as the Torch of the 2026 Niger Delta Games (Edo 2026) arrived in the Rivers State capital amid a carnival atmosphere.
The Torch, which journeyed from Owerri in Imo State, was formally received by Team Rivers athletes, coaches, officials of the Rivers State Sports Council, and top government functionaries.
On a bright afternoon, Niger Delta Games Project Director Fred Edoreh handed the Torch to Comrade Emmanuel Ndah, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, in a symbolic ceremony at the Sharks Football Club Stadium.
The event quickly transformed into a citywide celebration. Athletes paraded through major streets including Station Road and Niger Street, cheered on by residents. The procession was accompanied by vibrant cultural performances from Aka Drums and the Alfonso Dance troupe, blending sport and tradition in a colorful spectacle.
Speaking at the ceremony, Comrade Ndah described the Games as a vital platform for regional development.
‘We are very proud of this. In fact, the NDDC Games is one that everyone has to belong to, to key in because it’s a very good thing,’ he said, assuring that Rivers athletes were well prepared.
Mrs. Awele Salubi, Rivers State Liaison Officer for Dunamis Icon, echoed the optimism, praising the organizers for raising the standard of the competition.
‘We’ve put in a lot of effort in preparing our athletes. We’ve gone through the trials, the exercises, we’ve made the best competent selections. We are expecting a better outing than during the maiden edition,’ she said.
Coaches and athletes also voiced their determination to deliver medals. Football coach Isaac Thomas Atombere, popularly known as Coach Tama, declared that gold was the minimum target for his team. Boxing coach Gift Otuonye highlighted rising talents such as Joshua Solomon and Silver Adokiye, predicting a strong showing.
The 2026 Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will be staged in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27. Seventeen sports will be contested at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other venues, as the region’s finest athletes converge for the second edition of the festival.
