The Niger Delta Sports Festival kicked off in grand style with a vibrant opening ceremony, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and athletic prowess. Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), officially declared the festival open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinibu.

NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and stakeholders involved in organizing the festival, emphasizing its alignment with the RHINSE agenda—Renewed Hope in Nigeria for Sports Economy. Olopade praised the effort, stating it "perfectly aligns with our RHINSE agenda, rooted in President Tinibu's Renewed Hope mandate".

The festival features approximately 3,000 athletes and 500 officials competing in 17 sports, solidifying its status as a premier sporting event in Nigeria. A key highlight is the introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Initiative, aiming to identify and nurture young talent, with selected athletes set to compete at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.