The founder of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has celebrated Gift Bright’s gold medal performance at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, saying the achievement shows that the Niger Delta Games (NDG) is beginning to fulfil its founding vision.
Dunamis-Icon Limited owns the franchise for the Niger Delta Games, which is sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Bright, who represented Akwa Ibom State at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games held in Benin, Edo State, in February, finished behind Delta State’s Chibueze Osama, while Saturday Godswill claimed third place.
Following his performance at the regional competition, Bright was identified by athletics coaches from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and subsequently went on to win gold at the international youth competition in Senegal, clocking 10.22 seconds.
Reacting to the achievement, Ikpokpo said he was delighted that one of the major objectives of the Niger Delta Games was beginning to produce results.
“I am naturally delighted to see the realisation of one of the major planks on which the games was founded, which is to provide Nigeria with athletes from the Niger Delta region who will bring honours to the country,” he told journalists.
He expressed confidence that more athletes from the region would achieve international success while representing Nigeria.
“There’s going to be more celebrations of children of the Niger Delta region on the international podium for our country,” he said.
Ikpokpo also acknowledged the contributions of the NDDC, the nine member states of the Niger Delta, coaches and members of the organising committee to the development of the competition.
“As we celebrate the gold, it is very important to thank all those who, in one way or the other, made it possible. Our biggest appreciation is to the NDDC leadership led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku, whose financial backing enabled the games.
“The coaches and my team members in the organising committee are all contributors to this national success,” he added.
Bright’s achievement has highlighted the role of the Niger Delta Games in identifying and developing sporting talents from the region for national and international competitions.
