By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Niger Delta Development Commission is set to take sports in the region to the next level with the Niger Delta Games, after their strides in infrastructural development, the Games consultant Itiako Ikpokpo has stated.
Ikpokpo said the event, which holds from April 1 to 8 with 3,000 athletes vying for honours in 17 sports, is meant to produce athletes who will go on to become global stars.
“Niger Delta used to produce most of Nigeria’s top athletes but today there’s a dearth of talents. The NDDC, after their huge strides in infrastructural development, agreed that it was time to give sports the focus it desired in the region to produce the desired talents in that area of our national life.
“Just like the NDDC is famed for their development of infrastructure in the region, we also want the world to know that the NDDC is ready to produce sports talents for the country.”
Speaking further, Ikpokpo noted that that athletes only aged between 16 and 25 and of Niger Delta heritage would be allowed to participate in the Games.
“We want to achieve the purpose of starting the Games, that is why we have fixed the athletes ages from 16 to 25. There are modalities to check age cheats and those caught will be disqualified and their states fined.
“Those who do well at the event should be able to attend competitions in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
According to the organisers, the event begins with Local Government Area and state trials before athletes converge on Akwa Ibom, the host state, for the Games proper.
The nine states competing at the Games are Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Ondo, Abia and Imo.