By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukeu, Asaba
DELTA: For decades, Nigeria has witnessed the dominance of certain regions in specific sports, but in the realm of judo, the South-South zone has emerged as an undisputed powerhouse. The region, known for producing some of the nation’s finest athletes, is taking strategic steps to solidify its place at the top, particularly as it prepares for the upcoming National Sports Festival and international competitions.
During a recently concluded two-day Coaches and Referees Seminar in Delta State, Assistant Coach of the Delta State Judo Association and Head of Ekus Judo Club, Sensei Osahon Eke, reaffirmed the South-South’s commitment to judo development.
He said, “We have consistently led the charge in judo across Nigeria, and we are not resting on our achievements. This seminar is part of our efforts to ensure our coaches and referees stay updated with the latest International Judo Federation rules, which will ultimately benefit our athletes,” he stated.
The seminar, organized by the Delta State Judo Association in partnership with Ekus Judo Club and Big Judo, was designed to equip judo officials with modern techniques and rules, ensuring that athletes from the region compete on equal footing with their international counterparts.
The initiative is one of many strategies aimed at maintaining the South-South’s dominance and enhancing its global competitiveness.
Beyond technical training, the region’s commitment to judo has been fueled by strong institutional support. Sensei Eke praised the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, and the Director General of the Commission, Mr. Festus Ohwojero, for their unwavering dedication to sports development.
“Their leadership and support have provided the right environment for judo to thrive. This is why Delta State remains a key player in Nigerian judo,” he added.
Another key stakeholder, Mr. Lanky Osagie Omoregbe, popularly known as Big Judo, also lauded the efforts of the Delta State Sports Commission.
He emphasized the importance of such developmental programs, noting that the South-South’s dominance in judo is not by chance but a result of deliberate and strategic investments. “This seminar is a step in the right direction. The more we educate our officials, the better our athletes will perform on the national and international stage,” he remarked.
With the National Sports Festival approaching, South-South states are intensifying their preparations, and the ripple effect of the seminar is expected to be felt across the zone. Some participating coaches expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained in their respective states. “This is a valuable experience. We will pass this knowledge down to our athletes and fellow coaches to ensure that the South-South continues to set the pace in Nigerian judo,” one of the attendees affirmed.
The impact of the South-South’s dominance in judo extends beyond competitions; it is inspiring a new generation of athletes and increasing the sport’s popularity among the youth. Mr. Omoregbe believes that judo is on its way to becoming one of Nigeria’s leading sports. “Judo is gaining traction among the youth, and with continued investment and support from state sports commissions, it will soon rank among the top sports in Nigeria,” he said.
As the National Sports Festival draws near, all eyes will be on the South-South to see if they can maintain their grip on Nigerian judo. With a solid foundation, continuous learning, and strong institutional backing, the region appears poised to extend its dominance for years to come.