From Isaac Job , Uyo
Akwa Ibom State governor pastor Umo Eno has declared over 3,000 athletes participated in the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) winners and congratulated them at the end of the maiden edition of the sporting event organized by Niger Delta Development Commission held in Uyo Akwa Ibom state capital.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event yesterday, Eno urged the organizers of the sport fiesta to
nurture and sustain all talents discovered during the sport festival held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Eno who was represented by the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr Uwemediimo Udo said the theme of the one week sport programme “Niger Delta : Beyond Oil” was apt as the region is battling with alternative means to survive without crude oil .
The governor congratulated organisers and participants on a successful sports festival and reminded them that the festival was not all about sports, but building contacts, ideas and good relationships.
His words:“Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom is here in spirit, as he asked that I represent him at this event.
“He has sent his best wishes to organisers, the Niger Delta Development Commission and all the participants.
“He has asked me to congratulate the organisers for a successful maiden sports festival organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“The governor has asked me to congratulate all participants and has asked me to remind all of you that you are all winners in your own right.
“He said I should inform you that nobody is a loser, as far as this competition is concerned. He has also asked that not just discovering these talents, but he is interested in nurturing these talents to ensure they achieve their utmost, as far as their areas of specialty are concerned,”
He commended all those who have contributed to the festival’s success and in developing the state’s economy through sports.
Eno lauded President Bola Tinubu for giving NDDC the approval to organise a world class event, trusting that the standard will even be higher in future .
In his remarks, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive of NDDC said the festival was an avenue to bring people from the nine states of the region to compete among themselves and discover champions, who will represent the region and country.
Ogbuku said that the festival was part of NDDC stakeholders engagement as directed by Mr President in line with His Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Implementing the stakeholders engagement through the sports festival has brought peace and unity in the region”
The NDDC Managing Director noted that the event has given the athletes opportunity to showcase their work and hidden talents which no one saw in them.
“This platform has given you that opportunity to express yourself, and because this platform has given you that opportunity to express yourself.
“It does not matter whether you comes last but what is important is that they are athletes in those teams to be selected by scouts.
He commended all the governors of the Niger Delta states for supporting and sponsorship of their teams to participate in maiden sports festival.
He added that their support has gone a long way to justify the believe that with sports we could conquer underdevelopment.
Bayelsa Team emerged the overall winner in the maiden edition of the Niger Delta sports festival with 42 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze. while
Delta state came second with 41 gold, 26 silver and 32 bronze and Edo state came third with 23 gold, 35 silver and 31 bronze respectively.