This evening’s opening ceremony of the second Niger Delta Games in Benin City will be spiced up with cultural showcase and special performances as popular musical artists Pato Ranking, gospel singer, Eben and DJ Phyna have been confirmed to be on stage at the main bowl of the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in the Edo State capital.
Organisers of the games, Dunamis Icon Limited and their partners said that they have perfected their plans for this edition of the games, which will close on 27 February.
Host governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and other top government functionaries will be gracing the commencement of Edo 2026, scheduled for 5pm.
Apart from the organisers, officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission (the sponsors) have been on ground to support the management of the state Sports Commission, led by Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele to celebrate talent, culture, sporting brilliance and youth development.
On Thursday evening, the stage for the entertainment was already set as finishing touches were being put to plans for a grand opening ceremony.
The premises of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium already wore a new look with the branding, reflecting the colours of the nine states that make up the oil rich region and their heros.
State contingents and officials for the games arrived in succession at the Benson Idahosa University camp for athletes and coaches.
Media professionals and committee members have also arrived as accreditation followed. Delta and Bayelsa States were the early birds.
Ahead of the opening ceremony, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo expressed confidence and satisfaction with the efforts made so far and their effects.
After the draws for the ball games, Ikpokpo told the media: ‘We have come far into the preparations and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can’t let down your guards at such crucial time’.
The Chairman of the Cultural and Entertainment Committee, Mr. Edi Lawani, who was all over the main bowl of the stadium where sound checks, visual displays and choreography were being perfected, also assured that the ceremony will be grand.
Lawani, the country’s foremost entertainment impresario, said: ‘It is going to be two hours to remember as we have lined up A-list musical and comedy performances.
‘The opening ceremony will feature lead performance by Pato Ranking and gospel singer, Eben’.
Day 1 schedule (football category)
Men
Imo vs Bayelsa: 9:30 am
Delta vs Akwa Ibom: Noon
Women
Edo vs Akwa Ibom: 9:30 am
Bayelsa vs Rivers: Noon
