The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has pledged to support the Imo State contingents for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games holding at Edo State from February 20,2026.
The governor who was represented by Nnamdi Anyaehie, Chief of Staff, received the Torch of Unity for the NDDC Games from Governor Alex Oti of Abia State. The Chief of Staff noted that expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness and determination.
“I am sure you are ready to go and do justice — to make us proud and bring back all the gold,” he said.
Receiving the Torch of Unity from Abia State for onward transmission, Anyaehie described the moment as symbolic of regional cooperation and shared aspirations among Niger Delta States.
He commended the NDDC for initiating the Niger Delta Games, noting that the competition served as a vital platform for unity and youth development, and urged other institutions to emulate the NDDC’s initiative, and emphasised that sports have remained a powerful tool for national integration and youth empowerment.
“May the Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, grant our athletes safe travels across all participating States and grant them success as they strive to bring home as many gold medals as possible,” he added.
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The Niger Delta Games, an initiative of the NDDC, aims to promote unity, discover young talents, and strengthen bonds among States in the region through healthy sporting competition.
Earlier, Obinna Onyeocha, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports said the Ministry of Sports and the Sports Commission are fully prepared to support the contingents who will represent the State at the competition.
He explained that the torch began its tour in Cross River State on February 9, moving through Akwa Ibom and Abia before arriving in Imo.
“We are here with our brothers from Abia State who brought the Unity Torch, as well as representatives of Dunamis Icon, the consultants overseeing the programme,” he said.
The Commissioner described the torch as a symbol of unity among the nine Niger Delta States and reaffirmed Imo’s commitment to a successful outing at the Games.
Also speaking, the leader of the delegation from Dunamis Icon Limited, Fred Edoreh said the torch was lit in Cross River State before moving through Akwa Ibom and Abia, where it was handed over for onward transmission to Imo in a symbolic relay of unity.
He expressed optimism that the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among the States would ensure successful Games in Edo State.
The Torch of Unity is expected to continue its symbolic journey across participating States ahead of the official commencement of the games.
