Sports
Niger Delta Sports Festival: Bayelsa Sports Ministry Inaugurates Liaison Committee
The Bayelsa State Liaison committee for the Niger Delta Sports Festival has been inaugurated in Yenagoa, the State capital, ahead of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival slated for 1st -9th of April, 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The inauguration which took place at the Ministry of Sports Development had all members of the committee including the representative of the Project Consultants, Dumanis Icon Limited, in attendance.
Inaugurating the committee, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development,Mrs. Grace Alagoa, urged the committee to discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, stating that their nomination was as a result of their contribution to the development of sports over the years.
She noted that with the experience of those in the committee, she is confident that the personalities nominated to pilot the affairs of the committee would give the state good representation when the event commences.
According to ?Dumanis icon, the need to organize the competition became imperative due to the regions dominance at the national level, pointing out that the caliber of persons steering the affairs of the NDDC signifies the commission value for sports development apart from building bridges and constructing roads in the region.
Noting that sports is a leading part of the global economy, the Consultants pointed out that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would change the trajectory of sports for the people in the region particularly for the region that has produced great athletes for the nation, saying that the committee was set to help drive the process of trials in the various states.
Earlier in an address of welcome, chairman of the committee and Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, said the state was ready to consolidate on its previous record in the national sports festival describing Bayelsa as the latest hub in sports in the nation.
In an acceptance remark secretary of the committee Mr. Loveday Herbert asserted that the committee is prepared to discharge their duties effectively.
The Bayelsa State Liaison Committee has Sir Braveman Wodi as Chairman, Loveday Herbert will serve as secretary, other members are Catherine Sasuode, George Mark , Perela Aboroson, Ama-Ebi Wilson Ebikpolade, Chief Kia Nigeria, Mrs. Iteke Walama and Anthony Alabrah.
Other committee members are Bomo Kigigha, Blessing Oborududu, Inifa Gagbe, Okiki Felix and Kingdom Korumene.
Shortly after the inauguration, the committee held a brief meeting and resolved to work towards realizing the objective of the games. However, members wish to know about logistics because this is to enable officials and coaches to move to schools and localities in the riverine areas where transportation is not easily accessible. Places like Brass, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor local areas where local swimmers are residing, need mobilization to get them ready.
Members of Rivers State Liaison Committee for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival. Middle is the chairman and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Kelvin Nweke. From left, Sepribo Gilbert Nimifaa, Gabriel Nwanetanya, Salubi Awuereba, Emmanuel Nwuju, Ugwi Joseph and Allwell Egwurugwu
The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.
As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC
Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.
Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.
Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.
“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”
The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.
The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.
The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.
Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.
The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.
Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.
The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.
In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.
The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.
In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.
SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.
“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”
The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.
SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.
Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”
The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.
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