By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has charged Team Ondo to make the state proud by winning laurels at the ongoing Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Addressing the state’s contingent at the event’s opening ceremony on Wednesday, the Governor encouraged the athletes and coaches to give their best and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.

The festival, organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is taking place from 1 to 9 April 2025, with teams from across the Niger Delta region competing.

The opening ceremony at the Uyo Township Stadium was attended by several dignitaries, including Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, who represented President Bola Tinubu; Akwa Ibom State Governor and Chief Host, Pastor Umo Eno; Executive Director of Corporate Services at NDDC, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; MD/CEO of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Tolulope Adeyemi.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the NDDC for organising the event, emphasising its role in fostering grassroots sports development and youth engagement in the region.

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for hosting the competition, describing the energy at the venue as electrifying.

Taking time to interact with Team Ondo, the Governor urged the officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to ensure the well-being of the athletes throughout the tournament.

Team Ondo was notably the first to arrive in Uyo, boasting a delegation of 313 athletes and 56 coaches competing in various track and field events.

Leading the contingent is Mrs Tolu Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.