Workforce Akwa Ibom shone brightly on the opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Video games at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin Metropolis, on Friday, 20 February 2026. The occasion was stuffed with color, music, and unity. The Akwa Ibom contingent was on the centre of the dance phase, as athletes from completely different states danced collectively in teams, reflecting the unity and regional integration targets of the video games.
Past the energetic dance show, Akwa Ibom additionally acquired particular recognition on the ceremony. Former Akwa Ibom State Governor and present Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, acquired loud cheers when he was introduced to provide his deal with, which was delivered on his behalf by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong.
Distinguished sons of Akwa Ibom additionally performed key roles on the occasion. Mr Edidiong Stephen served as one of many comperes and delivered with distinction, whereas Guinness World Document holder George Iniabasi Essien, popularly generally known as Mighty George, hosted the crimson carpet.
The Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Sports activities, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, was additionally current and joined the athletes on the dance flooring in an inspiring second, including to the celebratory ambiance of the night.
Talking on the occasion, the Managing Director and Chief Government Officer of the Niger Delta Growth Fee (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, praised the imaginative and prescient of the Niger Delta Video games and aligned it with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He mentioned the competitors was right here to remain and referred to as on governors within the area to assist the NDDC in co-funding the occasion.
Dr Ogbuku described the video games as a platform to find future nationwide and Olympic champions, stressing that the purpose is to faucet abilities from the novice stage and maintain their improvement. He added that the video games promote regional integration by serving to athletes construct bonds and friendships.
Of their remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo mentioned the Niger Delta is blessed with each pure and human assets and counseled the NDDC for initiating the video games.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Business, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the Niger Delta Video games as a strong funding in the way forward for Nigerian youths. He mentioned the maiden version confirmed that younger individuals reply with excellence when given alternatives and that the second version builds on that basis.
He famous that past medals, the video games concentrate on expertise discovery and creating pathways into the multi-billion-dollar sports activities business. He urged the NDDC and stakeholders to proceed investing in youth improvement programmes and referred to as on athletes to embrace sportsmanship.
The President additionally mentioned the progress of the Niger Delta is inseparable from the progress of Nigeria and expressed hope that the video games would strengthen unity and uncover new abilities.
President Tinubu formally declared the 2nd Niger Delta Video games open. Music star Patoranking then took the stage, delivering an electrifying efficiency that supplied the right ending to the occasion.
The 2nd Niger Delta Video games options 16 sports activities occasions and brings collectively athletes from 9 taking part states. Dunamis-Icon Restricted is the rights proprietor and organiser of the video games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Growth Fee (NDDC). Bayelsa State emerged champions on the maiden version held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 2025, whereas Workforce Akwa Ibom will probably be seeking to enhance on their sixth-place end from the primary version.
