BENIN – The 2nd Niger Delta Games began at the weekend in Benin City, Edo State, with the initiator and chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo declaring that the utmost priority of the Games is to change the narratives of Nigerian sports by ensuring that cheating, poaching and drugs are stopped.
He also said that through the Games, officials would be able put a stop to athletes lying about their ages.
Ikpokpo’s declaration came, just as a new sprint prodigy, Ejiro Peter, from Delta State stole the show, claiming the girl’s 100m gold in a sensational manner, clocking 11.55 seconds to the admiration of spectators at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
According to Ikpokpo, Nigeria boasts of many talented athletes in all the states of the Federation and as such, there’s no reason any state should poach athletes.
“The message of this Games is simple and clear, and that is, we want to take the young ones off the street, make sure cheating stops in our sports, stop drug taking and also make sure people stop lying about their ages.
“We also want to encourage grooming people in our various states and communities because we have abundant talents everywhere. We also need to develop coaches, and build ourselves in our communities.”
Ikpokpo, while commending Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sponsoring the Games, expressed happiness with the enthusiasm shown by the athletes, many of whom he said are happy leaving their states for the first time.
“I have been in public service, and I can tell you that one of the things that gives you excitement is when you see people do better and the only people you see at that level are younger ones.
“You are equally happy, when you see them living their lives and their dreams. We have children, we have kids and we want them to do better. You can see that most of the young people who came here have never been to cities before and this is a real life experience for them.
“Imagine them experiencing life in Benin City. Those who came to Uyo last year, experienced Uyo. That is the beginning of an experience. Some spent six, eight hours on the road to get here and I think it is a story of lifetime experience for them,” Ikpokpo stated.
Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku stated that the Commission decided to sponsor the Games because of its believe that it will impact positively on the lives of youths in the Niger Delta region, just as he promised that they will continue to sponsor the yearly event.
Meanwhile, Peter who is from Ethiope West Local Government Area, beat Tejiri Ugoh Praise of Team Edo who clocked 11.58 seconds and Victory Imosiemoh Azobudi also of Edo who ran 11.59 seconds to second and third places.
In the boys 100m final, Chibueze Osama of Team Delta won the gold in a time of 10.41 seconds, edging his teammate, Saturday Godswill, who clocked 10.43 seconds and Gift Bright of Akwa Ibom who clocked 10.82 seconds to second and third places. Team Delta also picked the gold medal in Triple Jump men’s event as well as the men’s Shot Put event.
The duo of Ejiro Peter and Chibueze Osama said their performance was a reward of hardwork, dedication and focus, just as they thanked their colleagues, coaches, the chairman of Delta Sports Commission, Mr Onoriode Oborevwori for their support.
As at yesterday, Team Delta and Bayelsa were neck to neck on the medals table.
Team Bayelsa, which edged out Delta on the last day of competion at the maiden edition in Uyo, last year, picked three gold medals in Taekwondo and two gold in Wrestling event at the wekend.
In some other events concluded on Sunday afternoon, Rebecca Njoku Ujunwa and Emmanuel Shakamomodu (Team Edo) won gold in both girls and boys hammer throw, just as Delta’s Okuwedinuwe Mathew grabbed the gold in 100m breaststroke in swimming.
Edo state Pere Kimiakighe grabbed the gold medal in the girls’ category (100m breaststroke), while Bayelsa won gold in the 50m freestyle swimming. Team Imo won gold medal in the boys 65kg in para-powerlifting.
