Edo State has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 Niger Delta Sports Festival, earning praise from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the honour.
Governor Okpebholo gave the commendation when NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, led a delegation—including Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Edo State Representative on the Board, Hon. Patrick Aisoweiorem, and other Directors—on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.
The governor applauded the NDDC’s recent development strides in the state, noting visible improvements in project execution. He said hosting the festival would unlock youth potential, promote unity and enhance community development across the Niger Delta, describing the initiative as a platform for grooming young sports talents and fostering peace and economic growth.
NDDC MD Dr. Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, a core pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He urged Niger Delta governors to deepen collaboration with the NDDC for sustainable regional development, stressing that sports festivals serve as avenues for unity and talent discovery.
Ogbuku highlighted the Commission’s successful partnerships, including the completed 27.5km Ogbia-Nembe Road built with SPDC, and the emergency reconstruction of the Irrua-Ewu-Agbede Road in Edo State. He added that the Irrua-Aviele project would link the Benin-Irrua road being constructed by the Federal Ministry of Works. He also acknowledged the support of the M
Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh.
Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Desmond Enabulele, described Edo as peaceful and culturally vibrant, thanking the governor for his strong backing of sports development