NIGER DELTA SPORTS FESTIVAL TORCH TOUR TAKES OFF FROM BAYELSA
Read Time:2 Minute, 45 Second
The Niger Delta Sports Festival torch commenced its tour of the nine participating states in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where its lighting was celebrated by a large crowd of athletes, sports officials, government representatives, and spectators.
The ceremony took place at Samson Siasia Stadium, where Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo received the torch from Sports Commissioner Hon. Daniel Igali, who had earlier received it from State Director of Sports Sir Braveman Wodi.
In his remarks, Ewhrudjakpo expressed confidence in Bayelsa State’s strong performance at the festival, scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1-8.
“Bayelsa state is very ready and will be among the three states to mount the podium at the end of the games”, the state’s second citizen told the moderate crowd.
Director of Sports and Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa State Committee, Sir Braveman Wodi, lit the festival torch at the stadium entrance alongside committee members, coaches, and athletes before proceeding to the main bowl, where he handed it over to Hon. Daniel Igali.
Upon receiving the torch, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo commended the sponsors for their support and highlighted the vital role of sports in socioeconomic development, including talent discovery and youth engagement in productive activities.
Representing the Governor, Ewhrudjakpo reiterated the state’s commitment to education and sports, given their impact on youth development. He emphasized Bayelsa’s strong presence in national sporting events and expressed confidence in maintaining that dominance at the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
He said, “I wish to express the sentiments and emotions of Bayelsa State to the Niger Delta Development Commission for bringing out resources to sponsor this competition which is it’s maiden edition.”
“We believe that this sports festival will discover hidden talents across the Niger Delta region. For us as a state, sports is not just a festival but a tool for crime control and also a tool for empowerment of our youths and liberation of minds.”
To the athletes, he said, “Please be at your best, go and come back with victory, and for all that is needed to excel, be rest assured that your government will be there for you”.
Hon. Igali said the festival will give the Niger Delta states a sense of belonging in the realm of sports, and give the state enough grounds to prepare for the National Sports Festival.
On Bayelsa being the first state to light the torch, the Commissioner said, “The Unity Torch started today with Bayelsa, which signifies the importance of the state in the Niger Delta and a good sign that we are noted in sports in the region and Nigeria at large.”
“We have seventeen sports, and we will be participating in all the seventeen sports in Uyo, and we are ready”.
Director of Sports, Sir Wodi, noted the importance of the Niger Delta Sports Festival,saying “it will further expose more talents, and we will use the games for our preparation for the National Sports Festival”.
Also in attendance was Mrs. Itekesi Walama, representing the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). She stated that preparations were well underway, with the agency fully prepared to host the nine Niger Delta states in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
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