By Raphael Okhiria
No fewer than 3,000 athletes and officials from the Niger Delta region will in February, 2026, converge at the prestigious Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City in Edo State, for a one week sporting fiesta.
Chairman, Niger Delta Sports Festival, Itiako Malic Ikpokpo, who disclosed this during a news conference in Benin City, stated that the sports festival will be a mixture of sports, arts and culture.
Ikpokpo, stated that the festival will aim at targeting young athletes and rekindling the spirit of sports among the youths in the oil producing region.
He noted that the event which is sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will have participants from the nine states that makes up the oil producing region.
Mr. Ikpokpo said the event is centred on building the future generation of sports lovers and those who will derive interest in athletics.
“We hope that we’re able to reignite the spirit of Delta and ensure that our people begin to enjoy sports again and ensure that younger ones with hope for the future are produced in these games”, he said.
Ikpokpo while decrying the abuse of drugs among the athletes, said that all modalities to ensure that those participating in the games slated for 20th-27th of February, 2026, are properly screened and certified fit to avoid any forms of cheating.
“I want to make sure that there are no cheats, both drug cheats and age cheats because it has become a terrible part of our culture. Some people need to begin to speak out, make sure that it’s not something that we’re engaged in”, Ikpokpo added.
A former chairman of Isoko West Local Government Area of Delta State, Ikpokpo revealed that a total of 3,000 athletes, officials and supporting staff are expected to grace the sporting events.