The Project Director of 2026 Niger Delta Games, Fred Edoreh, on Thursday inaugurated the Ondo State liaison committee to prepare for the second edition of the games.
Edoreh disclosed that the 2026 edition of the competition, to be hosted by Edo State, would be significantly improved compared to the maiden edition held in Uyo.
The project director, while inaugurating the committee in Akure, said that the organising committee had identified certain lapses in the first edition and would work to enhance key areas such as athlete comfort, competition venues, the opening ceremony, and overall event coordination.
According to Edoreh, the goal of the games is to discover young athletes at the grassroots level.
He added that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is using the games to support emerging talents.
The project director revealed that the 2026 edition would feature U-20 athletes, unlike the maiden edition which was open to all age groups.
Edoreh added that the liaison committee would be responsible for organising grassroots trials to discover new talents.
He commended the Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi, for his commitment to sports, saying his vision aligned with that of the NDDC.
“Athletes must be natives of the states they represent and must register online from the preliminary stage. No athlete can participate without registering from preliminary stage,” he said.
Members of the committee are; Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi, Chairman; and former General Manager of the State Sports Council, Henry Babatunde, ecretary.
Other members include; the Director of Sports in the Ministry, Evelyn Lebi; veteran sports journalist Akintunde Akinsemola; and the Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, Segun Giwa.
Responding on behalf of the committee members, the chairman of liaison committee said Ondo State would present a 270-member contingent and participate in all 17 events scheduled for the Edo 2026 Games.
Omoyofunmi emphasised that the state would prioritise talent discovery.
“We must visit all communities to scout for fresh athletes. It’s time to stop over-relying on established athletes. We need new athletes who can deliver the results we desire,” he said.
Omoyofunmi also disclosed that several renovation works were ongoing at the Ondo State Sports Complex, including plans to upgrade the Olympic-standard swimming pool and other facilities.