Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced that the state will host the next Niger Delta Sports Festival in February 2026. This commitment was made during a courtesy visit from the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at the Government House in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo expressed confidence in Edo State’s capabilities to deliver a successful sports festival, emphasizing its reputation as the “Heartbeat of the Nation” and highlighting the state’s athletic talent. He also requested NDDC’s partnership in rehabilitating the Agbor–Uromi Road, which he described as in poor condition and crucial for economic activities.
NDDC Managing Director, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, congratulated Governor Okpebholo on his first year in office and praised his administration’s achievements in sports and infrastructure. He noted that the festival, themed “Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents,” aims to promote regional integration through sports, following a successful inaugural event earlier this year that attracted over 3,000 athletes from nine Niger Delta states.
Ogbuku emphasized the need for collaboration between the NDDC and state governments, acknowledging past challenges due to opposition from state authorities. He mentioned ongoing NDDC projects in Edo State, including efforts to address erosion and improve internal roads at local educational institutions.
The Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission also expressed gratitude to the governor for his support of sports development. With Edo’s strong sporting infrastructure and renewed regional cooperation, the upcoming festival is anticipated to attract athletes from Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and other Niger Delta states, further establishing Edo as a key sports hub in the region.
The meeting was attended by several officials, including the Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, and other members of the Edo State Sports Commission.
