It was glitz, rhythm and cultural splendour on Friday night at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as the second edition of the Niger Delta Games roared to life in spectacular fashion.
Organisers, Dunamis Icon Ltd and partners, delivered a meticulously choreographed opening ceremony that blended sport, music and rich Niger Delta heritage, setting the tone for a week-long festival of youthfulness and excellence.
A vibrant cultural parade ushered in the festivities before the stage lights gave way to thrilling musical performances. Headlining the night, Nigerian reggae-dancehall star Patoranking known for hits like, My Woman, My Everything, Girlie ‘O’ (Remix) and Abule, lit up the stadia with high-energy Afrobeats anthems.
Gospel powerhouse Eben, best known for soulful track, Victory, created an atmosphere of praise and unity, while DJ Phyna injected electrifying energy with pulsating mixes to the catalog, that kept the momentum soaring. The lighting of the Games Torch was performed by former Super Eagles star, Victor Ikpeba.
Tagged Edo 2026, the Games — scheduled from the 20th to 27th — celebrates talent discovery, cultural pride, sporting brilliance and youth development across the Niger Delta region. Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator, Monday Okpebholo, the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, and other top government officials.
Speaking on the significance of the event, former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole praised the organisers’ vision.
“The Managing Director and his team are doing unprecedented work. I think the whole idea of supporting sports —Catch them Young, and the bonding the young people across the NDDC states is a major step in building national unity.
“There are some young people from this part of the NDDC region that will make friends that will turn out to be life long friends, that is how bonds are developed. National unity is based on solid person to person relationships.”
Beyond sports, Oshiomhole also commended the Niger Delta Development Commission for its developmental strides across communities, citing infrastructure and social impact projects.
“Across the length and breadth of the NDDC today, I was just telling a friend that, you can hardly find a village where there is no singular street light and that is the work of the NDDC, so I commend the board for providing guidance and the management for translating into action the true desires of the Niger Delta and giving meaning to the spirit and letter to the laws that established the NDDC.”
Meanwhile, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, emphasized that the state is happy being the host of the second edition which he believes will lead to the discovery of talents in all participating states.
He was particularly grateful to NDDC for sponsoring the Games even as he promised all the participating states that for the next one week, they’ll be treated to the best of hospitality which Edo State is noted for.
” We as a government are happy hosting this Games because of the enormous benefits it have for not only the youths of Edo State but the entire youths of the nine participating states.
“It’s equally important that I thank NDDC for it’s foresight in sponsoring the Games which has helped in unearthing talents in our various states and I charge the athletes and officials to play according to the rules of the Games and not do anything that will bring it to disrepute,” noted the Governor.
Managing Director of NDDC, Dr.Samuel Ogbuku in his speech stated that the Commission decided to sponsor the Games because of it’s believe that it will impact positively on the lives of youths of Nigeria Delta Region with a promise that they will continue to sponsor the annual event.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was ably represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, declared the Games open. Enoch stated that Mr. President who was thrilled by the successes recorded in the first edition, is confident that this years tournament will eclipse the previous edition.
Senator John Enoch also delivered words of commendation for the organisers and sponsor of the Games for investing in the development of Nigerian youths which he said aligned with the programme of his government.
Earlier, Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo, expressed confidence in Edo State’s readiness to host a seamless tournament.
“We have come far into the preparations, and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can’t let down your guard at such a crucial time,” he said.
With music, culture and competition seamlessly intertwined, the Niger Delta Games is not just as a sporting event, but as a celebration of unity and promise for the region’s next generation.
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