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The governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission for granting the state the opportunity to host the 2026 Niger Delta Sports Festival.

Okpebholo extended the praise as the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, headed a group of the commission’s personnel, including the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Boma Iyaye, the Edo State Representative on the Commission’s Board, Patrick Aisoweiorem, and other directors, during a formal visit to the Government House in Benin City.

This information was included in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Tuesday from the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

Okpebholo recognized the progress made by the NDDC in recent periods, highlighting a favorable shift in the implementation of projects within Edo State.

The leader stated that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would tap into the youth’s capabilities, encourage unity, and support community growth in the Niger Delta area.

He praised the NDDC for launching the sports festival, which he mentioned had created an opportunity to unite young athletic talents from the area.

He said, “This commendable effort would support youth advancement, encourage harmony, and aid in economic progress.”

In his statement, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the commission is working with all relevant parties to promote unity and collaboration in the development of the Niger Delta area.

Ogbuku called on state governors in the Niger Delta to enhance their cooperation with the NDDC in order to foster economic and long-term development within the oil-abundant area.

He emphasized the significance of engaging stakeholders, which he highlighted as a fundamental component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ogbuku noted that occasions such as sports fairs were not solely focused on rivalry but also on fostering togetherness, progress, and the identification of local talents.

Ogbuku said, “We are all connected by a shared issue, like environmental problems. We need to use sports as a bonding element.”

The Chief Executive highlighted that past collaborations had significantly benefited the Niger Delta. He mentioned that the NDDC effectively carried out the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, built in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.

He mentioned that the commission has recently finished the urgent restoration of the Irrua-Ewu-Agbede Road within the Uhunwonde/Esan West Local Government Area in Edo State.

Ogbuku stated that the Irrua-Aviele initiative would connect with the Benin-Irrua road project being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works.

He recognized the efforts of the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, referring to him as a great inspiration behind numerous accomplishments achieved by the NDDC.

Additionally, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Desmond Enabulele, mentioned that the state is tranquil and abundant in cultural heritage. He expressed gratitude to the state governor for his significant backing of sports advancement within the region.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).