The MD/CEO, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, Ph.D, has declared that the next edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival is still very much open for bidding.
Ogbuku who spoke Wednesday, at the Opening Ceremony of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, thanked Governor Umo Eno and his government for playing host to the first edition of the festival, which he described as superb.
Ogbuku requested other state governors of the nine mandate states of the region to consider positive partnership with his commission for the promotion of both economic and structural development of the region, as well as discovering youths and new talents who would replace the aging local, national and international stars in sporting events from the region.
In his brief response, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa said his state would be willing to host the festival when requested, even as he advised the NDDC to go alphabetical in selecting hosting states.
The opening ceremony which took place at the Uyo Township Stadium had cultural displays, parades by States’ contingents, speeches and goodwill messages, as well as musical performance by Phyno.