Preparations for the highly anticipated second edition of the Niger Delta Games gained significant traction on Tuesday, as organizers formally inaugurated the Imo State Liaison Committee.
This key development signals Imo State’s commitment to the regional sporting event, scheduled to take place next year in Edo State. The move underscores the growing enthusiasm across the Niger Delta region for fostering youth athletic talent through competitive platforms.
The inauguration ceremony unfolded at the office of the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, marking a pivotal step in the lead-up to the games.
Representing the Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Limited—the project consultants for the championship—veteran sports journalist Sir Fred Edoreh stood in for Sir Itiako Ikpokpo–Atanaru of Irri Kingdom.
In a formal address, he officially launched the committee, setting the stage for coordinated efforts from Imo State.
Sir Ikpokpo, through his representative, clarified that the 2026 Niger Delta Games will exclusively feature under-20 athletes, emphasizing a youth-focused format to nurture emerging talents.
He urged the liaison committee to prioritize massive mobilization drives and ensure timely registration of Imo athletes via the official games portal.
Only athletes properly registered on this platform will receive clearance to compete, highlighting the organizers’ commitment to streamlined and fair participation processes.
Responding to the inauguration, Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for their role in launching and sustaining the games for a second consecutive year.
He described the championship as an invaluable arena for discovering and developing sports talents across the Niger Delta, positioning it as a cornerstone for regional athletic growth.
Onyeocha’s endorsement reflects the event’s rising stature in promoting grassroots sports excellence.
Hon. Onyeocha further aligned the games with the broader sports development agenda of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration.
He assured full compliance with all competition rules and regulations, noting that Imo State stands ready to field a competitive contingent.
This synergy between state policy and the games promises to amplify Imo’s presence in the tournament.
Highlighting the governor’s grassroots mandate, Onyeocha stated: “It is the mandate of His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, for us to go to the grassroots to discover talents, and these Games have come to help us achieve exactly that.”
Speaking on behalf of the committee, he pledged unwavering focus on quality, thoroughness, discipline, and total adherence to protocols, ensuring Imo’s participation sets a high standard.
The newly formed Imo State Liaison Committee is chaired by Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, with Hon. Willie Okolieogwo as secretary. Key members include Director of Sports, Lady Justina Akpulo, and journalist Kennedy Onwunali.
Tasked with overseeing all pre-games activities—from athlete mobilization to logistics—the committee aims to deliver hitch-free representation for Team Imo, paving the way for a strong showing at the 2026 Niger Delta Games.