The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has promised that the second edition of the Niger Delta games to be hosted by Edo State in 2026 will be bigger and better.

The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, and the Chairman, Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, gave the assurance during the inaugural meeting for the Niger Delta Games at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

He expressed delight at the success of the maiden edition, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 2025, and assured that the games in Edo State would be more colourful and exciting.

Iyaye stated that the games brought peace and togetherness to the region, giving youths the platform to showcase their talents. He said that the games in Edo will further consolidate the gains made so far and provide more young people with opportunities to discover their innate talents and be useful to themselves, the region, and society.

He thanked the Governors of the Niger Delta States for their support, which allowed the seamless flow of the games. He urged members of the Main and Local Organising Committees to do their best to ensure the second edition is successful and memorable.

While inaugurating the Local Organising Committee for the Second edition, Alabo Iyaye advised Niger Deltans to allow their children and youths to embrace sports, as it is a powerful tool for growth and development.

The Bayelsa State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Daniel Igali, commended the NDDC for initiating the Niger Delta Games, which he described as "historic,” stating: “We have taken the lead in sports and every other Commission is following our footsteps, but they can't match what we have put in place."

Igali expressed confidence that the second edition would be better and more memorable, as sports align with the region's aspirations. He promised that the Bayelsa State Government would continue to support the NDDC to organise a successful sporting competition.

The Lead consultant for the games, Mr Itiako Ikpokpo, thanked the NDDC for its determination to develop the Niger Delta region and advised the organising committees to start work despite the yuletide season, as there was limited time for preparation. He promised that " EDO 2026" will live up to expectations.”

1. PHOTO: NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye (2nd right), in a handshake with the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali (2nd left), during the inaugural meeting of the 2026 Niger Delta Games 2026, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.First left is the Imo State Commissioner for sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, while the project consultant, Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo is on the right.