Abia State has inaugurated the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) Liaison Committee, the event was held on Friday 7th February 2025, at the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development Abia State, Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, Nwadinma at his Ministry of Sports Office in Umuahia, Abia State.
Its objective is to revive, spot, and nurture athletes in the Niger Delta zone. The committee, chaired by Hon Onyebuchi Chukwu, aims to focus on grassroots sports development, particularly for local athletes aged 25 and below, with exceptions for para-athletes.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of sports development at the grassroots level, especially given Nigeria’s declining performance in international tournaments, such as the Paris Olympics 2024. The goal is not solely focused on winning but rather on reviving and rehabilitating sports and sports structures across all NDDC states.
Mr Fred Edoreh, General Coordinator of Dunamis Icon, emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, citing Nigeria’s declining performance in international tournaments. He stated that the competition’s goal is to revive and rehabilitate sports and sports structures, in the NDDC zone.
The Honourable Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, applauded the initiative, reiterating the state’s commitment to talent discovery, nurturing, and development. He highlighted the state’s efforts in grassroots sports development over the last 18 months and its continued efforts to nurture the budding talents that were discovered in those events through intentional coaching and monitoring etc.
The competition, sponsored by the NDDC, seeks to empower youths and give back to communities under the organization.
Notably, the state aims to become an economic zone for sports, with sports development already on its agenda. The NDSF Liaison Committee is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
The seven-man committee comprises:
Hon Onyebuchi Chukwu (SA to the Governor, on Youths) – Committee Chairman
Chief Fidel Chukwuemeka Ochiobi- Member
Comrade Obioma George (Director of Sports) – Member
Mr. James Obinna Eke – Comm Secretary
Sir Isaac O. Isaac – Member
Rt. Hon. Eziuche Ubani – Member
Cap. Eric Asomugha – (Special Technical Adviser To Honourable Commissioner) Member.