By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukeu, Warri
DELTA: The accreditation process for the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) began on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, drawing commendations from athletes, coaches, and officials for its seamless execution.
To streamline the process, the organizers designated separate accreditation points for state contingents, media personnel, and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Main Organising Committee (MOC), ensuring efficiency and orderliness.
Akintunde Akinsemola, a top official from the Ondo State delegation, lauded the arrangement, emphasizing the professionalism displayed.
“The process was orderly as tents were provided for us with seats, and those responsible for the issuance of the tags were well prepared. They picked up names from their system and attended to registered persons promptly,” Akinsemola stated.
Chairman of the NDSF Media Sub-committee, Harry Iwuala, attributed the hitch-free accreditation to meticulous planning by experienced professionals in sports administration and media.
“The Organising Committee comprises former international athletes, sports administrators, and media practitioners who have attended global sporting events. Their experience played a key role in ensuring a seamless process. We prioritized making accreditation stress-free so that athletes and officials could focus on their events without distractions,” Iwuala explained.
With most contingents expected to arrive on Tuesday, April 1, organizers assured that all participants would complete their accreditation upon arrival.
In a bid to ensure safety throughout the festival, security has been heightened across the six venues hosting the competition.
A combined team of security operatives from the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Security (DSS) has been deployed to strategic locations.
A member of the Security Sub-committee, who spoke anonymously, emphasized strict access control to prevent unauthorized entry into restricted areas.
“There are defined access codes for different areas, and only those with accreditation tags bearing specific codes will be allowed into designated sections,” the official stated.
As of Monday morning, security vans had been stationed at key points around the venues. In preparation for the festival’s official kickoff, Akwa Ibom State’s Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, led a final facility inspection alongside other state executives.
The tour, directed by Governor Umo Eno, was also attended by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), and other officials.
Expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness, Bassey reaffirmed that the state was fully ready to host the event.
“We have put in place world-class facilities to ensure a successful festival. From the Olympic-size swimming pool at Uyo Township Stadium to the basketball, volleyball, and handball courts, everything is set,” he said.
Other venues inspected included the Ultrafit Sports Centre, which will host table tennis, and Itam West Secondary School, designated for handball matches.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is sponsoring the festival, with Premium Trust Bank as a key supporter. The competition, featuring 17 sporting events, will run from April 1-8, with approximately 3,000 athletes and 800 officials participating.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to officially declare the festival open on Wednesday, April 2, at the Uyo Township Stadium.