By Abel Johngold
The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, is spearheading the development of a Games Village in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, to foster sports development in the region.
This was confirmed during an official tour of the Senator’s ongoing projects in Delta North. Leading the delegation of pressmen and community leaders, Dr. Michael Nwoko, Chief of Staff to the Senator, provided insights into the project’s scope and objectives.
According to Dr. Nwoko, the Games Village will feature a modern football pitch, a seven-a-side pitch convertible for multiple sports, pavilions on both sides, and fully equipped dressing rooms. The project aligns with global sports infrastructure standards and underscores Senator Nwoko’s deep passion for sports development in Nigeria.
Dr. Nwoko emphasized that the Senator has long championed grassroots sports development, as evidenced by his establishment of Nigeria’s first Sports University, located in Idumuje-Ugboko, his hometown. The university, already in its second academic session, aims to nurture young athletes, allowing them to pursue higher education while excelling in sports.
According to the Chief of Staff “Senator Nwoko believes in the ‘catch-them-young’ model. He wants young athletes to be developed from an early stage, rather than waiting for last-minute preparations before international competitions,”
The Senator’s vision extends beyond just local athletes. The Sports University also provides an opportunity for established athletes without formal education to obtain academic qualifications while advancing their sports careers.
Dr. Nwoko revealed that the Games Village is being developed on the site of a defunct local government stadium conceived during Governor James Ibori’s administration. The facility had been abandoned for years, and its revitalization is expected to breathe new life into the area.
The medical Doctor explained that “The whole idea is to develop this facility into a Games Village that will serve the entire community and beyond,”
Initially, the project was to be sited within the Local Government Secretariat in Issele-Uku, but the plan faced an unexpected setback. The Local Government Chairman, after initially approving the location, later withdrew support, citing political tensions between the Senator and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. However, after intervention from the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, an alternative site was secured with the approval of the Delta State Government through the Delta State Sports Commission.
Dr. Nwoko assured that construction is progressing rapidly, with engineers working under strict directives to complete the Games Village and other ongoing projects within the next two weeks for commissioning.
He asserted that “The distinguished Senator has given a marching order to ensure all projects in this phase, including road construction, are ready for commissioning in the coming weeks,” he affirmed.
The Games Village is expected to become a hub for sports development, talent discovery, and economic growth in Delta North, reinforcing Senator Ned Nwoko’s commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development.