Akwa-Ibom State is gearing up to host the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), scheduled to take place from April 1-9, 2025. The newly sworn-in Sports Commissioner Paul Bassey has called for accelerated preparations to ensure the state’s athletes are well-prepared for the competition.
As part of the preparations, the commissioner has mandated the State’s Liaison committee to further liaise with coaches and Local Government sports supervisors, to fast-track registration, in addition to streamlining of information in ensuring seamless registration and preparation. In a crucial meeting with members of the State Liaison Committee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Lady Rose Nsa Bassey also emphasized the importance of prompt release of funds to support the state’s participation in the festival.
Akwa Ibom will compete in 17 sports throughout the 9-day event, alongside athletes from eight other states. The state trails are scheduled to take place from March 8-10, 2025. To ensure the state’s athletes are well-prepared, the commissioner also called for formalizing requests to coaches to prepare for the elimination stage and mandated the technical committee to draft a schedule for activities leading up to the start of the competition.
Furthermore, the commissioner directed a follow-up on local government leadership who promised to support their athletes’ screening for the competition. This move aims to ensure that all eligible athletes from the state participate in the festival.
“Akwa Ibom as hosts must deliver a memorable experience for the whole Niger Delta contingents that will be domiciled in the state for at least two weeks. We know the MOC has its plans, but we must align our efforts with theirs to ensure a great experience for us as a state,” said Commissioner Bassey.
“There’s nothing wrong with hosting and winning, but this would only come through concerted efforts from not only the technical committee but all other committees working in harmony,” he added.
The NDSF is expected to boost economic activities in the host state, with over 6,000 accommodation spaces available for athletes, officials, and VIP guests. Interested athletes have a window of this weekend to enter for the state trials which begins today, March 1, across all competing states.
Athletes are enjoined to log on to nigerdeltasportfestival.com to register. Registration is open to all sportsmen of Akwa Ibom descent under the age of 25.
Photos:
Media Unit,
NDSF Akwa Ibom State Liaison Committee.
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