By Ifeanyi Uwagwu
The Delta State Sports Commission Board Member representing Delta North, Hon. Mrs Henrietta Ehiabor, has urged Local Government Chairmen in the district to collaborate with her in developing grassroots sports across their respective local government areas.
This appeal came during her visit to the Chairmen of Ndokwa East and Ukwuani Local Governments yesterday, which marked the official commencement of her grassroots sports development tour across the nine local government areas in her senatorial district.
Addressing the Chairman of Ndokwa East, Hon. Vincent Osilonya, Ehiabor outlined the critical need to revive and reposition sports at the grassroots level, especially in primary schools, as a foundation for nurturing young talents.
She explained that the programme would transform Delta North into a significant assembly line for world-class athletes who would bring glory to Delta State and Nigeria at large.
“This initiative is about identifying and grooming young talents from our schools and ensuring they are developed to compete at the highest levels. We want Delta North to be a recognised hub for producing exceptional athletes who will represent the state and the nation at both national and international platforms. Our goal is to ensure a steady supply of young talents to complement the ageing athletes who have served the state so well,” she said.
Ehiabor stressed that her tour was not only about developing sports but also about providing children with opportunities to stay engaged in positive and productive activities. She added that the collaboration with the l chairmen would result in the construction of sports facilities in selected schools within the local government areas as well as ensuring the sustainability of the programme.
Responding to her address, Hon. Osilonya commended Ehiabor’s vision and her determination to foster grassroots sports development.
“I appreciate your visit and this well-thought-out initiative. As a sports enthusiast, I fully support this programme, and our administration is ready to collaborate with you to make it a success. We have already implemented several initiatives to improve school sports within Ndokwa East, and this programme will complement those efforts,” he said.
Osilonya further suggested that, due to the unique geography of Ndokwa East, the programme should begin as a pilot in selected schools on the mainland, ensuring its feasibility before a broader rollout.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government , Hon. Possible Ajede, expressed his admiration for Ehiabor’s initiative and pledged the local government ‘s support for its implementation.
“This is a noble and forward-thinking idea. We understand the importance of discovering and nurturing talents in Ukwuani, and we have even started our own sports festival to identify young athletes. Your programme aligns perfectly with our goals and will help strengthen collaboration between the local governments and the state. It’s a step in the right direction, and we are ready to work with you to achieve this vision,” he stressed.
Agede also noted that the programme would significantly contribute to youth empowerment, social development and the delivery of the dividends of democracy, which remained a priority for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda.
Hon. Ehiabor’s tour is expected to continue in other local government areas in the Delta North senatorial district, fostering meaningful partnerships aimed at creating a sustainable system for sports development and ensuring that Delta remains a dominant force in Nigerian sports.
