Uyo, Akwa Ibom – April 6, 2025
The 2025 edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo came to a dramatic and inspiring close as para athletes from across the region showcased courage, excellence, and elite athleticism in multiple track and field events. With disciplines ranging from discus throw to long jump and wheelchair racing, the competition underscored the growing strength of para sports in the Niger Delta.
Para athletes lit up the Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025 in Uyo with powerful performances in track and field events. Bayelsa, Delta, Abia, and Ondo states stood out, with standout displays in discus, long jump, and wheelchair sprints. Bayelsa’s John Godgift and Delta’s Obilor Chidinma led the medal charge, showcasing the region’s growing strength in para athletics.
Track Events – Speed and Endurance Define the Lanes
1500m Women T53/54 Final
The endurance event was dominated by Delta’s Obilor Chidinma, who took gold with a commanding time of 6:11.44. Bayelsa’s Gold Esther finished strong in second place (7:36.19), while Rivers’ John Godwin earned bronze (9:03.13).
- 4th place went to Nwocha Amarachi (9:35.36).
All athletes demonstrated exceptional willpower in this high-endurance wheelchair event.
100m T53/54 – Lightning Sprints Across the Region
Men’s Finals (April 4, 2025):
- Race 1 Winner: Emeka Promise Simeon (Ondo) – 21.35s
- 2nd: Idimegu Emmanuel (Imo) – 23.12s
- 3rd: Benedict Austin Chukwu (Delta) – 27.45s
- Race 2 Winner: Hope Emem (Bayelsa) – 18.45s
- 2nd: Zachariah Lucky (Rivers) – 25.23s
Women’s Final (April 4, 2025):
- 1st: Obilor Chidinma (Delta) – 21.59s
- 2nd: Festus Chidima (Bayelsa) – 25.64s
- 3rd: Onyebuchi Chioma (Imo) – 32.35s
- DNF: Nnadi Happiness (Rivers)
Field Events – Power and Precision Take Center Stage
Men’s Long Jump T45/46
One of the most competitive field events saw Abia’s Nwanchukwu Bright leap to victory with a gold-winning jump of 6.22 meters. Bayelsa’s Richard Oluduti claimed silver (6.16m), while Emmanuel Udo of Akwa Ibom earned bronze (6.09m).
Men’s Discus F55/56
Bayelsa’s John Godgift ruled the discus field with a throw of 27.82m, far outpacing his rivals. Delta’s Oborunshola Emmanuel finished second (22.62m), with Ashamo Christopher of Ondo taking bronze (20.60m).
Women’s Discus F55/56
In a rare and remarkable outcome, Ojosola (Ondo) and Oriemezee Joy (Imo) tied for gold, each recording 16.70 meters. Bayelsa’s Brown Elykis continued her strong form to secure bronze with a throw of 14.60 meters.
Featured Medal Table (Select Para Athletics Events)
| Event | 🥇 Gold | 🥈 Silver | 🥉 Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500m Women T53/54 | Obilor Chidinma (Delta) | Gold Esther (Bayelsa) | John Godwin (Rivers) |
| 100m Men T53/54 (Race 1) | Emeka Simeon (Ondo) | Idimegu Emmanuel (Imo) | Benedict Chukwu (Delta) |
| 100m Men T53/54 (Race 2) | Hope Emem (Bayelsa) | Zachariah Lucky (Rivers) | – |
| 100m Women T53/54 | Obilor Chidinma (Delta) | Festus Chidima (Bayelsa) | Onyebuchi Chioma (Imo) |
| Long Jump T45/46 | Nwanchukwu Bright (Abia) | Richard Oluduti (Bayelsa) | Emmanuel Udo (Akwa Ibom) |
| Discus Men F55/56 | John Godgift (Bayelsa) | Oborunshola Emmanuel (Delta) | Ashamo Christopher (Ondo) |
| Discus Women F55/56 | Ojosola (Ondo), Oriemezee Joy (Imo) | – | Brown Elykis (Bayelsa) |
A New Era for Para Athletics in the Niger Delta
The para athletics segment of the festival was met with tremendous enthusiasm from the crowd, officials, and fellow athletes. The use of Timetronics timing systems, licensed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, ensured professional-grade competition standards.
Bayelsa State emerged as a dominant force, claiming medals across track and field, while Delta, Abia, and Ondo also recorded strong finishes. The dual golds by Delta’s Obilor Chidinma and the stellar throws by John Godgift spotlight the elite talent emerging from the region.
As the festival concludes, it is clear that para athletics is on the rise in the Niger Delta. With proper investment, training, and support, these athletes are not only national champions—they are potential continental and global ambassadors for inclusive sport.
