NDDC Sports Festival Set for Grand Closing Ceremony After Successful Games In Uyo

After six exciting days of sports competitions, the NDDC Sports Festival is drawing to a close with the closing ceremony to take place on April 8 In Uyo.

Over 3,000 athletes and officials from different states across the Niger Delta took part in the games held in Uyo, creating memories that will likely stay with them for a lifetime — whether or not they continue with a career in sports.

Speaking after the final organising committee meeting, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Alabo Boma Iyaye, said the festival had achieved its goals.

“This festival has brought young people from across our region together. These are memories they will always carry. We at NDDC are proud to have made this possible,” Iyaye said at the Press Briefing on Monday, April 7, 2025 In Uyo.

As expected before the grand closing, athletes and officials gathered in small groups around the Uyo Township Stadium, laughing and sharing stories about the festival experience.

The opening ceremony had all the excitement of a carnival, and the closing ceremony is expected to be just as colourful and entertaining.

Lead Consultant Itiako Ikpokpo told journalists that while the main goals of the festival had been met, the real success would be in helping the discovered talents reach greater heights in future.

“We’ve paid attention to every detail in planning this event. But what will truly count is seeing these athletes climb the podium in national and international competitions in the future,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the MOC has agreed to recommend that the festival becomes a biannual event due to its success.

“We’ve received praise from across the country. Today, the committee decided to advise the NDDC Board to hold the festival every two years,” said Iyaye, who is also the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at NDDC.

The closing ceremony on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Uyo Township Stadium is expected to officially bring the curtain down on what has been hailed as a highly successful edition of the NDDC Games.