Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission for initiating the 2025 Sports Festival, noting that the event will create unity and help to spot and harness untapped talents in the Niger Delta states.

The Governor made these remarks on Friday whilst receiving the Niger Delta Sports Festival torch at the Government House in Umuahia in a ceremony attended by top government officials and sports stakeholders.

The symbolic torch, which arrived from Imo State, was first received by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Hon Nwaobilor Nwadinma, at the Umuahia Township Stadium before being presented to the Governor.

He charged Team Abia to “go and conquer in Uyo” and promised a state reception upon their return with trophies.

“Let me start by congratulating you because I can see that you are champions already, even before the games begin. This torch is a symbol of unity and light, and Abia stands for light. I also commend the NDDC for organizing the Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025, where the nine NDDC states will compete”, the Governor stated.

During the ceremony, Team Abia was treated to a dinner with the governor before proceeding to the governor’s yard, where the torch was lit and presented to him by the commissioner.

Commissioner Ananaba emphasized that the tournament, which progressed from the Local Government level through Zonal and State stages, serves as a platform to harness and nurture young sports talents across the Niger Delta region.

The Director of the Abia State Sports Council, Mr. George Obioma, praised Governor Otti for his contributions to sports development, highlighting the recent achievement of the state’s Under-15 handball teams qualifying for an international tournament in Spain.

The NDDC Sports Festival is scheduled to commence on April 2 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where athletes from across the nine NDDC states will compete for top honours.