Niger Delta University (NDU) today, Friday 18th September 2026, joined universities worldwide to mark the International Day of University Sports (IDUS), a day set aside by UNESCO to recognize the role of sports in higher education.
In keeping with tradition, NDU has always marked the day and played a leadership role among universities in Bayelsa State.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Allen A. Agih, who was unavoidably absent due to an official engagement, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tonbarapagha Kingdom, conveyed the Vice-Chancellor's apologies and goodwill message. He recalled that IDUS was declared by UNESCO in 2016 and is marked globally every 20th September, noting that this year's celebration was moved to Friday 18th because the official date falls on a Sunday. Speaking on this year's official themes of “10 Years, 10 Kilometers” and “Together We Move Around The Globe”, he explained that participants should endeavour to complete the 10km walk in their various locations, stressing that regular walking is good for the body and good for health. He commended staff and students for their impressive turnout and prayed for good health to celebrate the 11th edition next year.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Pereyi Efeke, who represented the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, commended NDU for noticeable improvements in its sports system.
Mr. Efeke, who disclosed that Hon. Igali was unavoidably absent due to an official assignment in Tunisia, emphasized that health is wealth and urged students to combine academics with sports to stay fit, noting that regular exercise helps prevent health challenges such as high blood pressure.
He disclosed that the Bayelsa State Government is in partnership talks with the University and that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has already been sent to the University. He further revealed that Bayelsa State will host the 2028 National Sports Festival and that the State Government will upgrade sports facilities in NDU for use during the festival. He assured that the Commissioner will personally participate in next year's edition.
The day was marked with a health walk around the campus. The walk flagged off at 10:00 a.m. from the Sports Pavilion, moved through the main campus to the Senate Building where participants met with Management staff, proceeded through the main campus gate onto the Amassoma road, then back inside through the Amassoma end of the old site gate and terminated at the pavilion. Staff participated in the walk dressed in the University track suits.
The Management team that participated in the walk included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tonbarapagha Kingdom, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Jonah Akekere, the Ag. Director, ICT, Dr. Abraham Tomvie Goodhead, the Director, Health Services, Dr. Bekekeme Angalabiriowei, the Ag. Dean, Students Affairs, Dr. Bernard Stephen, the Ag. Director, Procurement Unit, Dr. Ebimotimi Goodhead Agbalaiko and the Director, Academic, Strategic and Quality Assurance, Prof. Ekima Frank-Oputu and a host of others.
The walk was coordinated by the Sports Unit under the leadership of Prof. Diepreye Ere, Chairman, Sports Committee.
Management commended staff and students for the impressive turnout and reiterated its commitment to promoting sports, wellness and unity in the University community.
