By Simeon OSAJIE
Organisers of the 2nd Niger Delta Games slated for Benin-City, Edo State have alerted states contingent taking part at the forthcoming games to travel through Asaba route due to the deplorable nature of Benin – Warri Road.
This advice becomes necessary as a result of the ongoing reconstruction and repairs on the Benin-Warri road which has been causing heavy traffic jam on daily basis.
The Co-Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee of the Niger Delta Games, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (KSM), issued this travel advisory during a media briefing in Benin City the state capital on Wednesday.
He was joined at the briefing by other key officials of the games, Fred Edoreh, Project Director, and Edi Lawani, Head of Culture and Entertainment and many others.
He noted: “We are advising states athletes and officials coming for the games to travel through Asaba as the best route due to the poor state of the Warri-Benin road.”
In another development, the chairman provided an update on the upcoming competition in Edo State, emphasizing the games’ core philosophy.
He highlighted the Niger-Delta region’s rich sports history but lamented the decline in producing new, young talent and criticized the unacceptable practice of states poaching athletes.
He remarked that the games were founded to counter this by nurturing local talent from every community within the nine Niger-Delta States comprise of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Also, following a successful first edition held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in April 2025, the Edo State competition is scheduled from February 20th to 27th, 2026 with athletes arriving on the 19th while opening ceremony is the following day in the evening.
He said that preparations are underway, including readying facilities and conducting local government and state trials.
Going further, the chairman emphasized strict adherence to rules, including limiting participation to athletes from their respective states and further reducing the age limit to 20 years to focus on genuine youth development.
He stressed on commitment to a seamless registration process and a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of cheating, particularly age and drug cheating, which he described as a terrible part of our culture.
“Ultimately, the games aim to blend sports, arts, and culture to reignite the spirit of the Niger Delta and develop future sporting hopes. A retreat is planned to refine preparations and improve upon the previous edition,” he revealed.