‘Bros’ is Mascot for NDSF as NDDC unveils Logo 25th anniversary logo
… Ikpeba, Amuneke, Udo-Obong are festival ambassadors
By Nnamdi Okosieme
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has unveiled its mascot for the Niger Delta Sports Festival holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The unveiling of the mascot held at the Landmark Event Centre in Owerri, Imo State on Thursday with Hope Uzodimma as Special Guest of Honour.
Named ‘Bros’ and inspired by the Dolphin, the mascot symbolizes the strength, intelligence, and unity of the Niger Delta people.
The name, a popular slang for “Brother” in the region, represents the camaraderie and shared identity of Niger Deltans, reinforcing the belief that “Niger Deltans are all Bros.”
According to organizing committee of the Festival, Dolphins are is known for their athleticism, are fast, great divers, swimmers and leapers, capable of traveling 40 km per hour and able to leap 9 metres, despite their size.
Continuing, the committee added that Dolphins have extraordinary sensibility, can hear and understand in the water, in the air and on the land, such that even when they are blind, their sensory ability enables them to effectively navigate the waters.
To put it in common parlance, the committee said, the world knows that “Niger Deltans get brain and we no dey carry last”, and like Dolphins are also very sociable and cultural, entertain, learn, teach their young ones, build social bonds and have a high sense of cooperation and mutual existence.
It added that Dolphins communicate in various ways, in the same way there are various languages and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, but all united in diversity…
In a similar vein, the NDDC has unveiled the logo for its 25th annivesary celebration.
Governor Uzodimma who appreciated the decision to host the event in his state, said he looked forward to continuef collaboration for the benefit of the people of the region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku who reeled off the accomplishments of the present NDDC board announced that its 25th anniversary would feature a series of activities, including the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Ogbuku noted that the festival aims to promote regional integration and discover new sporting talents in the Niger Delta region.
In the same vein, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the unveiling ceremony, Alabo Boma Iyaye stressed the need to build regional integration.
Co-chairman of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Itiako Ikpokpo highlighted the level of preparedness for the competition which is expected to feature no fewer than 4,000 athletes and coaches from 9 states.
Nine festival ambassadors were introduced to the delight of hundreds that attended the event.
They include Olympic gold medalists Victor Ikpeba and Emmanuel Amuneke, multiple continental wrestling champion Blessing Oborodudu as well as two-time African sprint champion Seun Ogunkoya.
Other ambassadors include retired Super Falcons midfielder Efioanwan Ekpo, Powerlifting icon Patience Igbiti and former World Youth sprint champion Tamunosiki Atorubido.
Kanu Nwankwo and Enefiok Udo-Obong were also named the sports fiesta’s ambassadors.
