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The Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Alabo Boma Iyaye, has pledged that the 2026 edition of the Niger Delta Games will surpass the success of the widely praised inaugural edition held earlier this year.
Iyaye made the remark on Tuesday while inaugurating the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Edo 2026 at the NDDC Headquarters in Port Harcourt.
He commended members of both committees—most of whom were retained for the upcoming edition—for their outstanding performance in delivering a “one-of-its-kind” Games in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last April.
“We did absolutely very well at the first edition. There were cheers from the entire country, there was celebration and huge applause simply because we brought the entire Niger Delta region together,” Iyaye said. “We brought happiness and excitement to our region, harnessed talents beyond oil production, and empowered young people.”
Iyaye, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, urged the committees to build on the momentum and ensure that the 2026 Games advance the goals of youth development and regional unity.
“I assure you 2026 will be bigger than 2025,” he added. “Another opportunity has come for us to put in our best so we will not just be celebrating another Games, but also achieving our objectives. We want to give youths opportunities to compete so they can become tomorrow’s champions.”
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The 23-member Main Organising Committee is co-chaired by Iyaye and Project Consultant Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (KSM). It includes Sports Commissioners from the nine NDDC states and leading sports administrators.
Speaking on behalf of the Sports Commissioners, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports and Olympic gold medallist Daniel Igali said the NDDC has taken a leadership role in sports development within Nigeria.
“As a development commission, it appears we have taken the lead in sports development, and other regions are struggling to catch up,” Igali stated. “We hope the second edition will be even more memorable, and that over the years we will continue to develop sports and promote the aspirations of Niger Deltans.”
In a vote of thanks, Ikpokpo lauded the NDDC for supporting a project that has helped young talents across the region find expression. He expressed confidence that the Games would produce Nigeria’s next generation of champions.
He also revealed that 17 sports will be featured in the 2026 edition and emphasized that measures have been put in place to curb cheating and prevent “athlete buying,” ensuring only athletes from the region represent their states.
Edo 2026 is scheduled to run from February 20 to 27, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City and other top sporting facilities across Edo State.
