The Niger Delta Sports activities Pageant torch started its journey to Uyo, the host metropolis, on the weekend, from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the place the lighting was cheered on by a throng of enthusiastic athletes, sports activities directors, authorities officers, and most of the people.
The ceremonial pageant ritual was held on the Samson Siasia Stadium, the place the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was introduced the torch by the Commissioner for Sports activities, Daniel Igali, who had obtained it from the Director of Sports activities, Sir Braveman Wodi.
Ewhrudjakpo in his temporary remarks on the ceremony mentioned the state would excel on the pageant, which holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1 to eight.
“Bayelsa State could be very prepared and might be among the many three states to mount the rostrum on the finish of the video games,” the state’s second citizen informed the reasonable crowd.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who represented the governor on the temporary occasion, confused the priorities of the state to incorporate training and sports activities because of the involvement of youths in each sectors, citing Bayelsa’s lively participation and dominance in nearly all sporting occasions within the nation. He added that the Niger Delta Sports activities Pageant wouldn’t be an exception.
He mentioned: “I want to categorical the feelings and feelings of Bayelsa State to the Niger Delta Improvement Fee for bringing out sources to sponsor this competitors, which is its maiden version.
“We imagine that this sports activities pageant will uncover hidden skills throughout the Niger Delta area. For us as a state, sports activities isn’t just a pageant however a software for crime management and in addition a software for empowerment of our youths and liberation of minds.”
Earlier, the Director of Sports activities and Vice Chairman, Bayelsa State Committee, Sir Wodi, had lit the torch on the stadium entrance in firm of committee members, coaches and athletes earlier than transferring in direction of the primary bowl the place he handed it over to Igali.
Igali mentioned the pageant will give the Niger Delta states a way of belonging within the realm of sports activities, and provides the state sufficient grounds to arrange for the Nationwide Sports activities Pageant.
Additionally current on the occasion was the consultant of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Improvement Fee (NDDC), Mrs Itekesi Walama, who added that preparations had been in prime gear to obtain the 9 Niger Delta states, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.
From Yenagoa, the torch went to Edo State, the place state authorities, led by Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, was readily available to obtain the delegation.
Accompanied by the chairman of the Edo State Sports activities Fee, Amadin Enabulele and Pageant Ambassador, Endurance Igbiti, Idahosa reiterated the state’s dedication to grassroots sports activities improvement, whereas promising the fortify the state’s contingent to go for fulfillment in Uyo.
The competitors will maintain in 5 venues, together with the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Dakkada Abilities Acquisition Centre, Itam West Secondary Faculty and Ultrafit Sports activities Membership.
The torch will transfer across the 9 Niger Delta states earlier than touchdown in Uyo for the graduation of the pageant.
