The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially received the Torch of Unity for the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission Games.
The torch, which is a symbol of the games, will pass through the nine states in the Niger Delta region, while the sports festival, slated to run from February 20 to 27, will be held in Edo State.
Receiving the torch on Wednesday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Otti said the torch signifies unity, resilience, sportsmanship and progress across the Niger Delta states.
The governor, represented by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Merebole, described the sports festival as a welcome development that represents hope, discipline, teamwork and excellence.
According to him, sports remain a strong platform for youth development, social cohesion and national pride.
He commended athletes of Abia origin who had represented the state at national and international games and distinguished themselves in various sporting events.
He also lauded the state’s young gymnast and two boxing champions for their outstanding performances, as well as stakeholders supporting sports development in schools, and urged athletes representing the state at the second edition of the NDDC Games to compete with a champion’s mindset, assuring them of his unwavering support
