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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria’s development cannot be complete without sports, which he described as a platform for discovering talents and a symbol of promoting peace and unity.
The President stated this while delivering his welcome address at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, venue of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games.
Represented by the Minister of State for Industry, John Owa Eno, President Tinubu stressed that there is no sustainable development without peace and unity, noting that sports provides that platform to attain it.
He said the Niger Delta Games provide opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity and a medium to celebrate the youths, adding that the Niger Delta Games will provide an opportunity for discovering young talents that will represent Nigeria at international sporting activities.
“Niger Delta Region is a region of extraordinary cultural diversity united through sports as it remains one of the strongest and powerful instruments of peace and unity. Tribe, religion social status, cultural diversity does not matter, but discipline and team work through sporting activities is all that matters in building a strong nation.
“Niger Delta youths are strong, energetic, and ready to compete as the game is all about discovering young talents as amateur and grooming them to become national champion, paving the way to compete internationally and bringing laurels to the nation.”
Declaring the game open, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, said the games represent more than competition, they symbolise possibilities, noting that the games are a powerful statement that the Niger Delta is not only defined by its resources, but also by its resilience, talents, and boundless human potential.
The governor said through sports discipline is taught, character built, cultural, language and boundary barriers disappear as the tournament brings teamwork.
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“To our athletes, you are the pride of the Niger Delta. You carry the dreams of millions of young people who look up to you for inspiration. I urge you to compete with passion and integrity. Let your performance reflect the strength, courage, and determination of our people.
“To the organisers, the NDDC, we commend your vision for using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, regional integration, and sustainable peace. When we invest in our youth, we secure their future.”
Gov Okpebholo disclosed that when approached by the NDDC to host the 2nd edition of the game, he embraced the offer and promised that this edition will be the best outing and will remain the best experience for the youths of the Niger Delta.
In his remarks, the Minister for Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, said the gathering is a celebration of youths, talents, discipline and regional integration, as sports remains the strongest platform to foster unity.
He noted that the game is all about building confidence, discipline, positive life style and also to discourage our youths from social vices.
The Director General, National Institute of Sports (NIS) and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, congratulated Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), organizers of the game, noting that the games have created a means of engaging the youths and diversifying the nation’s economy.
He stressed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-administration is transforming all sectors under sports and needs the game to continue to make the nation a hub in Africa.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, said the games, which is in the second edition will create a platform for amateur athletes to become professional and represent the nation in international sporting games.
