Akwa Ibom Gov Eno Welcomes the Region, Receives Torch To Host Maiden NDDC Sports Festival

Friday February 7, 2025 | TheNewsDESK

Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno has officially accepted the hosting rights to host the first-ever NDDC Sports Festival, scheduled to take place from April 1st to 8th, 2025.

The state’s serene environment and world-class sporting infrastructure, particularly the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, made it the unanimous choice for the festival.

Expressing his deep gratitude for the honor, Governor Umo Eno assured full collaboration with NDDC to ensure the festival’s success, emphasizing its potential to foster unity among Niger Delta states, boost the local economy, and launch new sports talents into the limelight.

The NDDC Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the festival is more than just a competition; it is a platform to celebrate the diversity and unity of the Niger Delta while showcasing its rich pool of sporting talents.

With 20 thrilling sporting events planned, including track and field, football, basketball, volleyball, and swimming, among others, the festival promises to be a game-changer for sports development in the region.

As part of the preparations for the festival, various state liaison committees were inaugurated across the nine participating states on Wednesday. The committees, comprising professionals drawn from all aspects of sports, are tasked with ensuring the success of the festival through coordination of their respective states’ contingent, among other tasks.

With the festival just around the corner, Akwa Ibom State is gearing up to roll out the red carpet for athletes, officials, and sports lovers from across the region.