The Ondo State team arrived in Uyo on Sunday evening, becoming the first contingent to reach the Niger Delta Sports Festival, set to begin on April 1. The delegation, consisting of 313 athletes and 56 coaches, was warmly welcomed by members of the festival’s accommodation, transport, and administration committees, who facilitated a smooth transition to their camp after completing the accreditation process.
Itiako Ikpokpo, co-chairman of the festival’s main organizing committee, emphasized their commitment to providing participants with a memorable and enjoyable experience. He noted that the committee had chosen to receive the Ondo team two days ahead of the official arrival date, despite the additional costs involved.
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The delegation’s leader, Tolu Adeyemi, who serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Ondo State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, expressed appreciation for the warm reception. He commended the organizers for their generosity in accommodating the team earlier than scheduled and expressed confidence in the festival’s success, based on prior meetings and preparations.
Some athletes, attending their first major sporting event outside their state, expressed gratitude to the Niger Delta Development Commission for making their participation possible. Team captain Michael Akinsiku shared his excitement, recalling how qualifying through local and state trials felt like a dream until their journey to Uyo became a reality. He described arriving at the festival as an incredible experience in his pursuit of a sports career and vowed to make the most of the opportunity.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival, running from April 1 to 8, will feature competitions in 17 sports across five venues. Organizers have undertaken extensive renovations at key locations, including the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Itam West Secondary School, and Ultrafit Sports Centre.
