Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has commended the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission for investing in sports for the discovery of talents.

The governor gave the commendation at the Monthly State Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, as arrangements have been concluded for the official opening ceremony of the Niger Delta Sports Festival at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Mr Eno, therefore, urged citizens and residents in the state to be fully involved in the festival.

He stressed the need for adequate maintenance of facilities recently revamped by the interventionist agency and assured the successful hosting of the sports festival.

He promised to provide the necessary support to ensure the safe stay of all participants and tasked the organisers to leverage the peaceful ambience of the state and make the competition a memorable one.

According to the organisers, President Bola Tinubu is expected in Uyo today (Wednesday) to declare the festival open, with no fewer than 3,000 athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta to compete for laurels in 17 sporting events.

The competition will be hosted at six venues, including the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and West Itam Sports Centre, while the closing ceremony is billed for April 9.

Contingents from the nine Niger Delta Development states had arrived in Uyo for the festival. 

(NAN)