2nd Niger Delta Games: Ikpokpo Applauds Edo’s World-Class Readiness After Facility Tour

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Barely 24 hours after Edo State officially received the hosting rights for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, project consultants Dunamis-Icon Limited hit the ground running—completing the first phase of a comprehensive inspection of key sporting facilities across Benin City.

Led by the team head, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the delegation was conducted around the venues by Desmond Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission. Ikpokpo, visibly impressed, declared Edo a “ready-made choice” for a major regional sports fiesta expected to attract over 3,000 athletes and officials, plus an additional 5,000 spectators.

“Edo ticks all the boxes for hosting an event of this magnitude. The facilities we’ve seen are solid, and with a few enhancements, the athletes will enjoy an excellent competition experience,” Ikpokpo said.

The project consultant reserved special praise for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, noting its impressive maintenance standards. He added that Dunamis-Icon would work with the state to upgrade selected facilities where necessary, including potential event sites at the University of Benin, to ensure wider community participation.

As franchise owners of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis-Icon emphasized that the event remains a vital platform for youth development, unity, and talent discovery across the region. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the primary sponsor, is backing the initiative as part of its long-term strategy for youth engagement and human capital development.

The inspection team toured the main bowl, tartan track, VIP boxes, ceremonial rooms, media studios, and indoor halls at the Ogbemudia Stadium. They also assessed other proposed venues including the Wire Road Sports Centre, University of Benin Sports Complex, and the Etete Sports Centre.

Accompanying Ikpokpo were Project Director Fred Edoreh, Director of Facilities Dr Emmanuel Ochuko Igbigbisie, Head of Communications Harry Iwuala, Transport and Logistics lead Israel Umueri Afoke, along with other key officials including Godwin Enakhena, Edi Lawani, Theresa Ineke, and Elder Siegha Porbeni.

On the Edo State side, Enabulele was joined by Executive Directors Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Mrs Sabina Chikere, and sports icon Baldwin Bazuaye (MON).


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