The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for granting the state the hosting rights for the 2026 Niger Delta Sports Festival.
According to a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs, it was noted that Senator Okpebholo gave the commendation when the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, led a delegation of Commission officials on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City. The delegation included the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Edo State Representative on the Board, Hon. Patrick Aisoweiorem; and other Directors.
Governor Okpebholo acknowledged recent achievements recorded by the NDDC, noting a remarkable improvement in the execution of projects across Edo State. He stated that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would help harness the potential of young people, promote unity, and drive community development across the region.
He further commended the NDDC for initiating the sports festival, describing it as a platform that brings together young sporting talents from across the Niger Delta. According to him, the initiative would foster youth development, enhance peace, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the development of the Niger Delta. He urged governors of states within the region to deepen their collaboration with the NDDC to accelerate sustainable economic development in the oil-producing areas.
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo (2nd left); the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, (2nd right); the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye (left) and the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa (right), during a courtesy visit to Edo State Government House, Benin.
Ogbuku emphasized that stakeholder engagement remains a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that events such as sports festivals go beyond competition, serving as instruments for unity, development, and the discovery of homegrown talents. “We are all united by common challenges, including environmental issues. We should leverage sports as a unifying force,” he stated.
The Managing Director highlighted the successes of past collaborations, recalling the execution of the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia–Nembe Road, delivered in partnership with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). He also noted the Commission’s recent completion of the emergency reconstruction of the Irrua–Ewu–Agbede Road in Uhunwonde and Esan West LGAs of Edo State.
Ogbuku added that the Irrua–Aviele project would link with the ongoing Benin–Irrua Road project being executed by the Federal Ministry of Works. He further acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, describing him as a strong motivator behind many of the NDDC’s recent achievements.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Desmond Enabulele, described Edo State as peaceful and culturally rich. He expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support for sports development in the state.
