Edo State has ended a 24-year wait for a major honour by hosting and winning the second Niger Delta Games, which ended in Benin City, the state capital, on Friday evening.
Team Edo dethroned Bayelsa State, who won the maiden edition of the talent hunting and harnessing competition, then hosted by Akwa Ibom State.
In what many sports lovers described as a shock, Edo State put on a series of impressive performances across multiple sports to top the medal table with an astonishing 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze, their haul to 111.
Delta State retained second spot from the inaugural edition with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals for a total of 102, while Bayelsa State completed the top 3 with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals, bringing their total to 75.
Akwa Ibom State placed fourth with 55 medals, comprising of 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze.
Abia State finished fifth with 45 medals, comprising nine gold 20 silver 17 bronze. Cross River placed sixth with 38, comprising of nine gold, seven silver and 22 bronze. Ondo placed seventh with 34 medals, comprising of seven gold 13 silver 14 bronze.
Rivers State finished in eighth place with six gold, 16 silver and 24 bronze, for a total 46 medals, while Imo State completed the table in ninth place with five gold, eight silver and 18 bronze medals, a total of 31.
The week-long event, which brought together over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states, was organised by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
It featured 16 sports and served as a platform for discovery, harnessing of talents, healthy competition and regional unity through sports.
Reacting to the historic achievement, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Amadin Desmond Enabulele described the victory as a historic moment in the state’s sporting journey and dedicated the success to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
He said: ‘This victory belongs to His Excellency, our dynamic and sports-loving governor.
‘From the very beginning, he made it clear that Edo would not only host but compete to win. He provided the vision, the resources, and the enabling environment that empowered our athletes to perform at their very best’.
He emphasised that the governor’s commitment to sports development, improved welfare packages for athletes and coaches, and strategic investments in training and facilities laid the foundation for the historic success.
‘Breaking a 24-year jinx is not a coincidence.
‘It is the product of intentional leadership, disciplined preparation, and the resilience of our athletes. His Excellency believes strongly in youth empowerment through sports, and today, that belief has translated into a dominant display at the Niger Delta Games, he further said.
The Sports Commission Chairman also commended the athletes, coaches, technical crew for their discipline, focus, and determination throughout the week-long competition.
He said: ‘Our athletes competed with courage and unity. They carried the pride of Edo on their shoulders and delivered beyond expectations. I am immensely proud of their sportsmanship and fighting spirit. This triumph is a message to the nation that Edo is back, stronger and better’.
