By Jude Opara, Abuja
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has congratulated Team Edo for emerging overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games which held in Benin City, the state capital.
Team Edo emerged overall winners after a week of competition which thrilled their home supporters with commanding performances that saw them finish top of the medals table with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals to record a total of 111 medals.
In a statement issued on Friday by the S. A. Media, Ben Ogbemudia at the close of the Games, Shaibu praised the resilience and preparation of the Edo athletes, noting that their consistency in athletics, combat sports and team events proved decisive in a fiercely contested championship that went down to the final day.
The NIS boss also commended Delta state for finishing as runners-up with an impressive haul of 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals and the defending champions Bayelsa state, who secured third place with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals.
Shaibu extended his congratulations to Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo states for their participation and competitive spirit, emphasizing that every state contributed to the success and excitement of the festival.
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo state further applauded the State Government and the Edo State Sports Commission for successfully hosting the week-long event, which brought together over 3,000 athletes from nine states to compete in 17 different sports.
He described the organization, facilities and crowd support as evidence of Edo’s readiness to stage major sporting events.
Shaibu further heaped encomium on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sponsoring the Games, stating that such investment in youth and sports development provides a vital platform for discovering emerging talents and strengthening unity within the region which aligned with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu renewed hope agenda in unifying Nigerians through sports and youths empowerment.
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