Edo State has formally signaled its readiness to host the 2026 Niger Delta Sports activities Competition, following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s endorsement of the Niger Delta Improvement Fee’s (NDDC) proposal throughout a courtesy go to by the Fee’s administration to Authorities Home, Benin Metropolis.
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The Governor, brimming with confidence, declared Edo absolutely ready to stage a memorable and aggressive competition, scheduled for February 2026.
“You will have chosen the suitable state,” Okpebholo mentioned. “We aren’t simply the Heartbeat of the Nation for nothing. We’ve got the power, the athletes, and the capability to win each sporting exercise.”
Past sports activities, the Governor used the assembly to advocate for a partnership with the NDDC on vital infrastructure—most notably the rehabilitation of the Agbor–Uromi Street, which he described as “not motorable,” stressing its significance for financial connectivity within the area.
NDDC Managing Director, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, recommended Okpebholo’s one yr in workplace and praised Edo’s strides in sports activities and infrastructure. He mentioned the Fee’s go to was to formally safe Edo as host of the competition, themed “Past Oil: Harnessing Skills.”
Ogbuku highlighted the competition’s position in regional unity, noting that the maiden version earlier this yr featured over 3,000 athletes from the 9 Niger Delta states.
“NDDC isn’t a authorities; it’s an interventionist company,” Ogbuku emphasised. “To succeed, we should work hand-in-hand with state governments. One of many challenges we confronted up to now was opposition from states, however we’re bridging that hole.”
He additionally reeled out ongoing and accomplished tasks in Edo, together with erosion management works, ecological interventions, and inside street tasks at Ambrose Alli College, Ekpoma, and Edo State Polytechnic, Usen—areas the place each the state and the Fee share accountability.
Chairman of the Edo State Sports activities Fee, Desmond Enabulele, applauded the Governor’s dedication, noting that his administration continues to reposition sports activities as a viable engine for expertise growth and youth empowerment.
With athletes anticipated from Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and different Niger Delta states, the 2026 version positions Edo as a central powerhouse for regional sporting excellence.
Additionally current on the assembly had been the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Authorities, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq.; Chief of Employees, Alhaji Gani Audu; Chairman, Home Committee on Sports activities, Hon. Okogbe Donald; amongst different high officers.
