President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the 2nd Niger Delta Games as an avenue for unity and empowerment, and urged organisers to invest in youth and women through the sporting event.

He made the remarks at the Games’ opening ceremony in Benin, Edo State on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Tinubu was represented at the opening of the multi‑sport event by John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry. The Games are being held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin and involve athletes from the nine Niger Delta states.

Tinubu said sports remained “an instrument of unity and empowerment known to mankind.” He commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sustaining the initiative and emphasised support for youth and women at the event.

Tinubu said the first edition of the Games showed that when government provided a platform, young people would respond. He encouraged athletes to see sport as a pathway to career development and global recognition.

At the ceremony, the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, announced monetary rewards for participating states. He said N20 million will go to the state that emerges winners and N10 million to the runner‑up.

Over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states are participating in the week‑long event. The competition includes multiple sports and cultural displays as part of the opening celebrations.

The NDDC’s Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission was committed to sponsoring the Games and urged state governors to support the competition.

He said the event was structured to target amateur athletes from the Niger Delta region.

At the ceremony, Senator Asuquo Ekenyoung, representing the Senate President, said the National Assembly will continue to support initiatives that promote youth development and entrepreneurship.

Organisers said the Games aim to foster competition among athletes while celebrating cultural heritage and showcasing regional talents. Participants will compete over seven days in various sporting disciplines.