NDSF is the new beacon for regional sports in Nigeria, says Dr. Ladi-Awofeso

Chairperson of the Secretariat Services Committee at the recently held Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), Dr. Eyibrayila Franca Ladi-Awofeso says the Festival, through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be the beacon through which the light of regional sports is shone for many years to come.

The NDDC set a new benchmark for grassroots sports development through the much talked about Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state from April 1 to 8, 2025 . The festival, which brought together thousands of young athletes from across the nine NDDC mandate states, has been hailed as a transformative success, one that could reshape the future of sports in the region and across the country.

Dr. Franca Ladi-Awofeso is the Head/Chief of Staff at the Office of the Chairman of Governing Board at the NDDC, and she shared her reflections on the historic event with www.aclsports.com.

With pride and optimism, she affirmed that the commission had not only achieved its objectives but had far exceeded expectations in delivering an Olympic-style event that has sparked a new wave of energy, discipline, and hope among the youth.

“Our objective was clear from the beginning; to support the states in discovering raw talents, grooming them into elite athletes of national and international standing, and helping them transition into gainful, professional careers in sports. Interestingly, we discovered a sizeable number of talents that justified our objectives,” she began.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival was not just a competition, it was a grand convergence of purpose, passion, and promise. With over fifteen sporting disciplines showcased, the event mirrored the scale and ambition of the Olympics, tailored to suit the cultural and developmental goals of the Niger Delta region.

According to Dr. Ladi-Awofeso, the festival was strategically designed to deepen access to sports at the grassroots level, foster greater regional competitiveness, and cement Niger Delta’s reputation as a powerhouse in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.

“The festival aimed to reinvigorate and sustain our region’s competitiveness and influence in Nigerian sports. We also sought to use sports as a vehicle for interaction, unity, and security across our diverse communities, and this we achieved. Participation was based on merit, and the outcomes speak volumes. We have unearthed talents that will soon bring Nigeria global acclaim,” she added.

Beyond medals and trophies, the NDDC’s vision extended into the very heart of national development. By aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and Nigeria’s new vision for sports as a tool for economic and social change, the commission effectively demonstrated that sports can be a powerful instrument for youth engagement and empowerment.

“We brought together thousands of young people, not just to compete, but to connect, collaborate, and celebrate their potential. This was unity and collaboration in excellent display. Through this, we’ve kept our youth meaningfully engaged and fostered a culture of hard work and reward,” Dr. Ladi-Awofeso emphasized.

The ripple effects of the festival are already being felt across the region. For many of the participating athletes, this was their first major platform, an opportunity to be seen, to dream, and to begin a journey that could lead to national teams, scholarships, and international exposure. For communities, it was a celebration of peace and productivity. And for policymakers and stakeholders, it was a call to invest more in youth-driven development.

The successful hosting of the sports festival has redefined what is possible in the Niger Delta. It has showcased a different narrative, one of unity, resilience, and promise. With the NDDC leading the charge, there is renewed enthusiasm that the region can become a major contributor to Nigeria’s sporting dominance on the world stage.

Dr. Ladi-Awofeso who masterfully marshaled a Committee described as engine room of the festival insists that the success of Uyo is just the tip of the iceberg with more still in the locker where it all came from.

“Of course, the NDDC has set a bar, one that reflects our deep commitment to building a prosperous and peaceful Niger Delta through strategic, people-centered initiatives. This is only the beginning. The talents we’ve discovered, the connections we’ve built, and the energy we’ve unleashed will drive the region’s sports and youth development agenda for years to come,” She concluded.

The next edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival has been tentatively fixed for 2027 at a yet-to-be-decided venue as the organisers continue to harness the gains of a well staged maiden edition this month.