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IMO STATE EYES MEDAL BOOST AS NIGER DELTA GAMES TORCH ARRIVES OWERRI
Imo State has declared its readiness to surpass its previous performance at the Niger Delta Games following the arrival of the symbolic Torch of Unity in Owerri on Thursday.
The torch, which arrived from Abia State, was received at the Imo State Government House amid renewed optimism ahead of the second edition of the regional sporting festival scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27 in Edo State.
Speaking during the reception, the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, expressed strong confidence in the preparedness of Team Imo.
“The last edition, which was the first edition of these Games, Imo State tried its best,” Onyeocha said. “I strongly believe that this time we are going to do better than we did last year. Our athletes are ready, the officials are ready, and I will be there throughout the one-week programme to ensure that we return with a lot of medals.”
His remarks reflected a blend of ambition and accountability, particularly as he pledged to accompany the athletes throughout the competition. The commitment signals a hands-on administrative approach aimed at boosting morale and ensuring that the delegation receives the necessary institutional backing.
Receiving the torch and festival flag on behalf of Governor Hope Uzodimma was the Chief of Staff, Barr. Sir Nnamdi Anyehie. Addressing the athletes, Anyehie conveyed confidence in their ability to make the state proud.
“I know that you are ready to bring back gold to this place,” he stated. “On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, I receive this torch from Abia State for onward transmission to Rivers State.”
He further commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for initiating the Games, describing the tournament as a commendable platform for fostering unity across the Niger Delta while promoting youth engagement through sports.
The Abia State delegation, led by Project Director Fred Edore and representatives of Dunamis International, formally handed over the flame at the ceremony. Commissioner Onyeocha received the torch before presenting it to the Governor’s representative, reinforcing the symbolic continuity that defines the relay.
The Torch of Unity began its journey in Cross River before passing through Akwa Ibom and Abia, and now Imo State. It proceeds next to Rivers State, then Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo, before making its final stop in Benin City, the Edo State capital and host city for the Games.
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