NDG Games Torch Arrives Delta as Ikpokpo Highlights Drive to Unlock Niger Delta Sports Talents

TheLEGEND The torch for the 2nd Niger Delta Games was on Monday presented to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as organisers underscored the Games’ mission to discover and develop the abundant sporting talents across the region.

The torch was received at Government House, Asaba, by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, on behalf of the governor.

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Presenting the torch, the Project Consultant and Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, said the Niger Delta Games was conceived to add value to young talents across the region who risk being wasted due to lack of exposure and structured opportunities.

He explained that the Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), are built on firm principles aimed at nurturing homegrown athletes rather than allowing them to seek opportunities outside the region.

According to him, the Niger Delta is blessed with abundant sporting talents across its states, stressing that the Games would provide a credible platform to identify, groom and project such talents to national and international prominence.

“We believe that athletes should not be pushed to other parts of the country because we have enough talents in each of our states in the Niger Delta region. The essence of this competition is to harness those talents and give them the opportunity to grow,” Ikpokpo said.

He disclosed that the Games would feature 16 different sports and attract over 4,000 athletes who are expected to converge on Benin for the competition. 

He assured that adequate preparations had been made to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Ikpokpo emphasized that the championship is not primarily about winning medals but about discovering potentials that would make meaningful contributions to the states and the nation in the future.

“It is not about who comes first or who comes last. It is about the potential we see that will do well tomorrow for our state and our country. That is the purpose of these Games,” he added.

He recalled that the maiden edition of the Games was held in Uyo last year and expressed optimism that this year’s edition would consolidate on the gains recorded previously.

Ikpokpo appreciated the Delta State Government for its support, particularly through the leadership of the relevant commission, and expressed confidence that all participating states would compete in the spirit of unity and healthy rivalry.

Receiving the torch on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Onyeme commended the organisers for promoting youth development and regional integration through sports. 

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He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to initiatives that empower young people and strengthen unity across the Niger Delta.

The presentation of the Games torch marks a symbolic build-up to the 2nd Niger Delta Games, which organisers say will serve as a rallying point for sports development, talent discovery and sustained collaboration among states in the region.

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 TheLEGEND Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday formally received the Torch of Unity for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, reaffirming the state’s commitment to youth empowerment and regional integration through sports. 

The Governor was represented at the ceremony, held at Government House, Asaba, by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, who described the torch as a powerful symbol that transcends a mere ceremonial emblem. 

Receiving the torch on behalf of the Governor, Onyeme said the flame represents peace, unity, and the shared vision of the Niger Delta people to harness sports as a catalyst for sustainable development. 

“This torch we received today goes beyond a ceremonial sporting emblem. It is a profound symbol of peace, unity, and our shared vision to use sports as a catalyst for sustainable development in the Niger Delta,” he said. 

He noted that the Niger Delta Games had evolved into a credible platform for discovering and grooming sporting talents, encouraging healthy competition, and reinforcing brotherhood among states in the region. 

According to him, sports remain one of the most effective tools for positively engaging young people, instilling discipline, nurturing teamwork, promoting excellence, and steering youths away from social vices. 

“As preparation intensifies for the Games to be hosted in Benin City, Edo State, sports continue to unite us across boundaries and differences, while opening doors of opportunity for our youths,” Onyeme added. 

He commended the organisers for their vision and consistency in using sports as a vehicle for regional development, and also acknowledged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its sponsorship and unwavering support. 

He said: “The NDDC’s investment in this festival underscores its dedication to youth empowerment, peace, and unity across the Niger Delta region". 

The Deputy Governor assured the organisers and stakeholders of Delta State Government’s full support toward the successful hosting of the Games in Benin from February 20 to 27, 2026. 

He urged participating athletes to compete with determination, fairness, and true sportsmanship, reminding them that they were not just contesting for medals but serving as ambassadors of hope, unity, and progress for the Niger Delta. 

Also speaking, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, described the championship flame as a sign of collective strength and shared vision among Niger Delta states. 

He disclosed that Delta State had concluded a rigorous selection process beginning with local government trials, followed by state trials and camping, to ensure that only the best and most dedicated athletes represent the state in all 16 sporting events at the festival. 

He said: “Our athletes have undergone thorough screening and intensive preparation. We are confident they will make Delta proud in Benin". 

Oborevwori added that sports events such as the Niger Delta Games foster unity, peaceful coexistence, and stronger ties among neighbouring states. 

Project Consultant and Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, who led the delegation to present the torch, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for the warm reception. 

He said the Niger Delta Games was designed to harness and add value to the abundant sporting talents in the region, stressing that the focus was not merely on winning medals but on identifying and nurturing future champions. 

“We have enough talents in each of the Niger Delta states. Over 4,000 athletes will compete in 16 sports in Benin. This is not just about who comes first or last; it is about discovering potentials that will make our region and country proud tomorrow,” Ikpokpo stated.

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GbaramatuVoice Founder Jacob Abai Celebrated for Leadership in Indigenous Media

By Dew Jemima Wilson 👑

TheLEGENDThe Management, Board, and Staff of GbaramatuVoice International have paid glowing tribute to their Publisher and Founder, Jacob Brakere Abai, as he marks his birthday, praising his visionary leadership and lasting contributions to indigenous media development across Africa.

In a statement released on Monday, the organization described Abai as a trailblazer whose passion for community storytelling, cultural preservation, and media empowerment has positioned GbaramatuVoice as a leading voice in Africa’s evolving digital media landscape. The tribute emphasized that his commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices has strengthened grassroots journalism and inspired emerging media professionals.

According to the statement, Abai’s resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership have been central to the platform’s growth, influence, and credibility within the African media ecosystem. His work has also been recognized for promoting unity, public awareness, and social transformation through responsible journalism.

The organization noted that his belief in the power of media as a tool for information, cultural continuity, and societal development continues to shape its editorial vision and strategic direction.

Management expressed appreciation for his enduring impact and wished him good health, greater accomplishments, and continued success in the years ahead.

CEO & Staff leisure moment 

The message concluded with a celebratory note: “Happy Birthday.”

APC: My Alleged Suspension a Joke Taken Too Far – Aniagwu

 TheLEGEND Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has dismissed reports of his alleged suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akumazi Ward, Ika North East Local Government Area, describing the claim as “a joke taken too far” orchestrated by political mischief-makers.

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Speaking on The Morning Show on ARISE News on Sunday, Aniagwu said he remains a loyal and committed member of the APC, stressing that no competent organ of the party in Delta State had taken any disciplinary action against him.

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He urged party faithful and the  public to disregard what he termed a baseless claim circulated on social media and amplified by some media platforms without proper verification.

“I am happy you raised it. I didn’t want to comment on that particular issue because it’s actually coming from some of my brothers who I believe were joking. I am still very much a member of the APC,” Aniagwu said.

He questioned the legitimacy of the purported suspension letter, noting that due process as stipulated in the APC Constitution was not followed.

“If you are writing a letter to somebody, number one, nobody petitioned. Number two, there was no complaint from any quarters. And that letter is saying you are suspending the person. What is the issue?” he queried.

Aniagwu explained that the controversy stemmed from ongoing ward congress activities and internal arrangements linked to party primaries. 

According to him, certain individuals who currently serve as caretaker committee members in the ward had sought my endorsement as ward leader to return to their positions through a non consensus arrangement. Which to me amounts to imposition.

“They came and said they needed me as the leader of that ward to endorse them and bring them back. I said no problem, you can come back, but come to the general leadership meeting. If the leadership believes that you need to come back, it will be fine,” he stated.

He, however, noted that the ward leadership insisted on adhering to established zoning arrangements that had ensured peace within the party at the grassroots level.

“The leadership believes that because of certain zoning… it also happens at the level of the wards. We needed to respect the zoning agreement that has always given us peace,” he explained.

Aniagwu said the individuals who were unable to secure their return through consensus allegedly resorted to what he described as unconstitutional measures.

“Because they were not fortunate to come back into the EXCO by way of the consensus arrangement, they went ahead to begin to rape the Constitution of the APC. If you go to Article 21 of the APC Constitution, you will understand clearly,” he said.

He commended ARISE News and THISDAY for not joining what he described as the “fray,” adding that he initially chose not to respond because he did not consider the issue significant.

“It didn’t mean anything to me. They were actually joking. And by Wednesday, when we’ll be done with the Congress, they are no longer going to be members of the Ward EXCO,” he said.

The commissioner also revealed that some ward leaders had suggested taking disciplinary action against those behind the alleged suspension, but he declined.

“My other leaders in the ward wanted us to take action against them. I said no, they are our brothers. You don’t beat a child and ask that child not to cry. Maybe they are crying because they are not coming back into the EXCO,” he added.

Reaffirming his commitment to the party, Aniagwu maintained that any legitimate disciplinary process must follow constitutional procedures, including formal complaints, investigation, and fair hearing.

“If they want to follow the process, they should go and call a meeting, set up a committee, even write me, and then tell me these are the allegations against you. Of course, I can’t get involved in that kind of thing. So to answer it, I’m a member of the APC,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating that the alleged suspension was merely an internal misunderstanding exaggerated beyond proportion.

“It was actually just a joke, maybe in their own way, taken too far. But it didn’t mean anything to me because they are my brothers,” Aniagwu stated.

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Beyond The Badge: Tinubu, Oborevwori Rally Support For Police As Biennial Police Games Open In Asaba

 

TheLEGEND President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Saturday reaffirmed strong institutional and governmental backing for the Nigeria Police Force as the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026) hosted by Delta State were formally declared opened in Asaba.

President Ahmed Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), described the Games as a strategic platform for building a professional, disciplined and performance driven Police Force, stressing that security remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic growth, social stability and national confidence.

“Service is not defined merely by authority or uniform, but by character, competence and conduct,” the President said, underscoring the Games’ theme, “Beyond the Badge: Excellence in Action.”

“A physically fit, mentally resilient and morally grounded Police Force is indispensable to national security", he said.

Tinubu noted that sports go beyond recreation, calling them a strategic instrument for cohesion, stability and institutional readiness.

He added that the Police Games, rooted in a tradition dating back to the 1940s, have consistently promoted fitness, teamwork and community engagement while reinforcing operational preparedness across the Force.

Declaring the Games open, Tinubu urged athletes to compete with honour and sportsmanship, saying; "let fairness, discipline and mutual respect guide your conduct on and off the field. This is not a do-or-die affair.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Governor Oborevwori assured participants from across the federation of a memorable sporting fiesta in a state widely recognised as a hub of sporting excellence.

Oborevwori said; “Delta State is proud to host this prestigious national event. Our track record in hosting major competitions speaks for itself.

"In recent years, this very venue has hosted the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships in 2018, the National Sports Festival, and the National Youth Games in 2023, all held consecutively within the last few years. Even this year, Delta State continues to play host to major sporting events". 

The governor highlighted improved security in Delta, attributing the calm to effective collaboration among security agencies, and praised the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism.

He reminded athletes that the Games celebrate strength, discipline, teamwork and excellence, adding that "not everyone will return home with a medal, but no one who gives their best is a loser".

The governor also recalled the Force’s legacy of producing world-class athletes, including Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist, and challenged participants to break new records and lift Nigeria’s sporting profile.

The Chief host and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in his remarks, described the Biennial Police Games as a critical pillar for strengthening professionalism, unity and operational readiness within the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the Games go beyond sports, stressing that “policing is not only about enforcement, but about endurance, agility, teamwork, resilience and strength of character.”

He noted that modern policing demands physical and mental fitness, declaring that “a fit officer is a safe officer, and a disciplined competitor is a disciplined professional.”

Commending Delta State for hosting the Games, he described Asaba as “a centre of organisation, hospitality and sporting excellence,” and praised the collaboration between the Police Force and the state government in promoting youth development and national unity.

Highpoint of the ceremony that was attended by top serving and retired police officers including retired Inspector General of Police, was an impressive march-past by contingents drawn from the 17 Zonal Commands of the Nigeria Police Force and the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the symbolic lighting of the Games torch, followed by athletes and officials formally subscribed their oaths of allegiance and fair play. 

The ceremony was further enlivened by the arrival of the Games mascot and the hoisting of the Games flag, setting a vibrant tone for the commencement of the 15th Biennial Police Games, Asaba 2026.

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Oborevwori Celebrates Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari At 60

 TheLEGEND Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm felicitations to the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary, describing him as a distinguished scholar and dedicated public servant whose contributions to education and governance remain invaluable.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor lauded Prof. Tonukari as a renowned academic whose commitment to excellence has significantly impacted the higher education landscape in Delta State and beyond.

Governor Oborevwori noted that as a Professor of Molecular Biotechnology at Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Tonukari has built an enviable reputation in research, innovation and mentorship, producing generations of students who are making meaningful contributions in various fields across the globe.

He commended the Commissioner for his unwavering dedication to duty and his strategic role in advancing the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda within the tertiary education sub-sector.

According to the Governor, Prof. Tonukari’s wealth of experience in academia has brought renewed focus, discipline and forward-thinking reforms to the state’s higher institutions.

The Governor further praised him for strengthening policy implementation, promoting research-driven development, and encouraging institutional accreditation efforts. 

“Professor Tonukari has consistently demonstrated integrity, intellectual depth and administrative competence in the discharge of his responsibilities. His leadership in the Ministry of Higher Education has contributed immensely to the modest but steady achievements recorded in our tertiary institutions,” the statement read.

Governor Oborevwori also acknowledged Prof. Tonukari’s humility, accessibility and passion for youth development, describing him as a bridge-builder who continues to inspire both colleagues and students through exemplary service.

While wishing him many more years in good health, wisdom and fulfillment, the Governor expressed confidence that the celebrant would continue to deploy his knowledge and experience toward strengthening the educational foundations of Delta State.

He prayed that the milestone birthday would usher in greater accomplishments and renewed strength for sustained service to the state and humanity at large.

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