𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗡𝗗𝗗𝗖 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 2027 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼. 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

Fresh concerns have emerged over the reported selection of secondary schools for the proposed 2027 Niger Delta Games, with allegations of exclusion and lack of transparency reportedly trailing the process in parts of Ondo State.

The controversy is particularly being raised in the Ilaje axis, where concerns have been expressed over the reported selection of only Ilaje Secondary School, Igbokoda, from the wider mandate area.

Those raising the concern are questioning why other secondary schools within the area were allegedly left out of the selection process, particularly given the stated grassroots objectives of the Niger Delta Games.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which organises the Games, has repeatedly said the initiative is designed to discover and develop sporting talents across the Niger Delta.

The Commission said the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival was established to provide young athletes with opportunities to showcase their abilities and to identify talents capable of progressing into national and international sporting careers.

The NDDC's official description of the Games also lists talent discovery, sports education, grassroots access and athlete development among the programme's objectives.

The concern over the alleged selection process therefore raises questions about whether adequate opportunities are being provided for students from riverine and underserved communities to participate.

Ondo's Riverine Communities Seek Fair Opportunity

The issue is particularly significant in Ondo State's coastal communities, where access to educational and sporting facilities remains a longstanding challenge.

Reports have previously documented educational challenges in Ilaje, including inadequate school facilities and limited access to resources. Igbokoda itself serves as the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area and is one of the key educational centres in the area.

The NDDC has an established presence in Igbokoda, with its Ondo State office located on Okitipupa Road in the town.

Critics of the reported selection process argue that grassroots sports programmes should deliberately create opportunities for young athletes in communities that have historically faced infrastructural and developmental disadvantages.

NDDC Games Designed for Grassroots Talent Discovery

The concern comes against the background of the NDDC's stated commitment to using the Games as a platform for identifying future sporting stars.

During the second edition of the Niger Delta Games in 2026, NDDC Managing Director Dr Samuel Ogbuku said the competition was carefully designed to target amateur athletes, stressing that the athletes should be developed from the grassroots into professionals.

NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie also said the Commission wanted the Games to become a legacy project capable of producing athletes who would eventually represent Nigeria at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and All-Africa Games.

The first edition of the Games was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 2025, while the second edition took place in Edo State in February 2026. Following the success of the maiden edition, organisers proposed that the Games be held biennially, paving the way for a potential 2027 edition.

Calls for Transparency

Against this background, stakeholders in the affected communities are calling for greater transparency in the selection process and for all qualified secondary schools to be given a fair opportunity to participate.

They are particularly seeking clarification on the criteria used to select participating schools and whether other schools within the Ilaje and wider Ondo State mandate area were considered.

As of the time of filing this report, NigerDelta Voice could not independently establish the complete official list of secondary schools selected for the 2027 Games or confirm the allegation that Ilaje Secondary School is the only school selected from the area.

The NDDC and the organisers are therefore expected to clarify the selection criteria and address concerns surrounding the participation of secondary schools from the riverine communities.

For a programme whose stated mission is grassroots talent discovery and youth development, stakeholders say no talented student should be denied an opportunity because of geography, institutional preference or an opaque selection process.

NigerDelta Voice will continue to monitor developments and report any official response from the NDDC, organisers or affected schools.