With a day to go, finishing touches were being put to arrangements for a glamorous opening ceremony of the second Niger Delta Games, holding at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Athletes and coaches in state contingents arrived in succession at the Benson Idahosa University Games camp, even as rehearsals went on through the afternoon to late night for the ceremonial content of opening day.
Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo wore a mixed demeanor of confidence and satisfaction. But yet with anxiety arising from a knack to ensure no last minute slip ups.
‘We have come far into 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’, Ikpokpo told the media after the draw for the ball games.
Delta State was the first to arrive and was followed by Bayelsa and Imo States.
The Project Director, Mr. Fred Edoreh, who supervised the seamless process, said: ‘What is in place here is for the state contingents to go from their vehicles straight to the accreditation tents set up near the hostels’.
Chairman of the Cultural and Entertainment Committee, Mr. Edi Lawani was all over the main bowl of the stadium where sound checks, visual displays and choreography was being perfected.
‘It is going to be two hours to remember as we have lined up A-list musical and comedy performances’, Lawani, the country’s foremost entertainment impresario disclosed as he paced the field in his trademark baggy shots.
The opening ceremony will feature lead performance by Pato Ranking and gospel singer, Eben.
Chairman of the Communication and Media Committee, Mr. Harry Iwuala said that the opening ceremony would be broadcast live on three leading television networks. He listed the stations as Arise Television, African Independent Television and News Central, running from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
The games is sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
