The second edition of the Niger Delta Games concluded with flair in Benin City on Thursday night as Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, presided over the closing ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Olopade emphasized that sports are more than just games—they are a vital engine for Nigeria’s development, youth advancement, and financial prosperity.
“Sports is not just about podium placement or, for a better word, winning,” the DG said.
“It is about passion sharing, community engagement, economic empowerment, social integration and the spread of a feel-good atmosphere. All of these are fully entrenched in the Niger Delta Sports Festival.”
Olopade portrayed the event as a prime demonstration of athletics’ power to bring people together and invigorate regional commerce, while pledging ongoing backing from his agency for the project.
“This is why I make a bold statement today that the National Sports Commission will continue to support Dunamis and the Games,” he affirmed.
The sports chief stressed that the event’s underlying goals closely match President Tinubu’s dedication to leveraging athletics as a key mechanism for involving the younger generation and fostering overall advancement.
“The father of the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has shown in so many ways his determination to use sports as a tool of empowerment and engagement with the most important demographic in our country, the youth,” he said.
Olopade pointed out that the head of state’s recent praise for the agency’s achievements over the past year marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in the nation’s athletic landscape.
“For the first time in this country, sport is being given its rightful position in government. The President did not stop at that. Just last week, in a meeting with my brother and Chairman of the Commission, sweeping reform policies were approved.
“These reforms will ensure that sporting facilities are upgraded and equitably distributed across the nation, while also opening the door for increased private sector involvement in sports,” Persecondnews quotes Olopade as saying.
He highlighted that intentional efforts over the previous twelve months to gather statistics from various athletic competitions nationwide reveal the clear positive impact on local finances.
“In the last one year, we have taken deliberate steps to collect data from sporting events organized across the country. The numbers show clearly that these Games are putting money in the pockets of our people.
“They are supporting small businesses, creating direct and induced jobs, boosting corporate sponsorship opportunities and creating visibility for host cities and states,” he added.
Olopade urged the leaders in the Niger Delta region to strengthen their involvement by partnering with the Niger Delta Development Commission and Dunamis to secure the event’s long-term viability.
“I call on the governors in the Niger Delta to take the bull by the horns by supporting the NDDC and Dunamis in ensuring that these Games become a permanent date on our sporting calendar. After all, it is to the benefit of your states and your people.”
Olopade praised the event planners for aligning with national standards against age falsification and for their tireless work in maintaining the integrity of a clean, substance-free tournament.
“If I leave this podium without thanking the organizers for joining the Commission in the fight against age cheating and for their continuous efforts toward a clean Games devoid of drug cheats, I will be failing in my responsibility.”
Olopade expressed gratitude toward the NDDC, Dunamis, Edo State’s chief executive, fellow regional state heads, journalists, and especially the younger participants.
“The true winners of these Games are the young people of the Niger Delta,” he concluded.
In a signature wrap-up that sparked applause from attendees, the director general ended on a lively note: “I close as a Warri boy with flavor, candor and drama,” signaling the end of a triumphant follow-up installment of the Niger Delta Games.
Persecondnews reports that just one year later, the second edition returned with even greater fanfare, where the host side dethroned the defending champions, Bayelsa, after an intense week of competition in 16 sports, collecting 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals to finish top of the table.
Delta State secured the runner-up position, earning 39 gold, 29 silver, and 34 bronze for a combined 102 medals.
Defending champions Bayelsa finished third, gathering 25 gold, 24 silver, and 26 bronze medals, totaling 75.
Akwa Ibom placed fourth with 16 gold medals contributing to their overall count of 55.
Abia ranked fifth with 45 medals, followed by Cross River in sixth with 38, Ondo seventh with 34, Rivers eighth with 44 (despite fewer golds placing them lower), and Imo ninth with 31 medals.
Over 3,000 competitors representing nine states in the Niger Delta region battled across 17 different disciplines, showcasing emerging talents and promoting unity through athletics.
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