Niger Delta Games to open in Benin with fanfare, glitz
Final preparations were underway last night for the opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Games, set to kick off today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.
Final preparations were underway last night for the opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Games, set to kick off today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.
State contingents arrived throughout the day at the Benson Idahosa University Games village, which serves as accommodation for athletes and coaches.
Meanwhile, rehearsals for the opening ceremony continued from afternoon into the late evening hours.
Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, expressed cautious optimism about the event. While confident in the preparations, he remained focused on ensuring smooth execution with no last-minute complications.
"We have come far into preparations and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can't let down your guards at such crucial time," Ikpokpo told the media after the draw for the ball games.
Delta State was the first to arrive and was followed by Bayelsa and Imo States.
"What is in place here is for the state contingents to go from their vehicles straight to the accreditation tents set up near the hostels," explained Fred Edoreh, the Project Director.
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Meanwhile, Chairman of the Cultural and Entertainment Committee, Edi Lawani, was all over the main bowl of the stadium where sound checks, visual displays and choreography was being perfected.
"It is going to be two hours to remember as we have lined up A-list musical and comedy performances," Lawani, the country’s foremost entertainment impresario disclosed as a paced the field in his trademark baggy shots.
The opening ceremony will feature lead performance by Pato Ranking and gospel singer, Eben.
Chairman of the Communication and Media Committee, Harry, Iwuala said the opening ceremony will be broadcast live on three leading television networks including Arise Television, African Independent Television (AIT) and News Central starting from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
The games is sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC).
