NIGERIA, CALABAR – The Cross River State Sports Commission has confirmed the deployment of 282 athletes and 12 officials for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival as the state deepens structural reforms across its sports sector.
Chairman of the commission, Mr. Etta Lawrence Itanya, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, attended by six local government vice chairmen.
Lawrence said Cross River would compete in 16 sporting events at the regional festival, stressing that the commission’s responsibility remained coordination, preparation, and athlete readiness ahead of the games.
“Our own duty is to put our house in order,” Lawrence said, noting that the athletes and officials would represent the state across multiple disciplines at the Niger Delta Games.
Allowances, Logistics Handled by Organizers
Clarifying funding arrangements, Lawrence stated that athletes’ allowances and transportation would not be funded by the state at the preliminary stage of the competition.
“Those 12 we mentioned are what the Niger Delta wants to sponsor,” he said, explaining that allowances would not be paid by the Cross River State government.
According to him, the Niger Delta Games organizers, working with Dona Miss Consultants, would handle allowances, transportation, and logistics for athletes and officials during the competition.
“At this stage, the organizers want to be in charge of allowances and transportation to and fro,” Lawrence said, emphasizing that the arrangement mirrored the previous edition.
He said the commission had adopted the approach to ensure financial clarity and prevent administrative overlaps that could disrupt athlete participation.
CRS Pushes Bid to Host Niger Delta Games
Lawrence disclosed that Cross River State had formally submitted a bid to host a future edition of the Niger Delta Games, positioning the state as a serious contender.
He said the Niger Delta Games comprised nine states and confirmed his membership in the main organizing committee made up of sports commission chairmen across the region.
“At my first meeting, I bid for hosting rights,” Lawrence said, noting that he had briefed the state commissioner and commission officials on the strategic move.
According to him, the hosting race had narrowed, following the withdrawal of another contestant weeks earlier, leaving Cross River among the frontrunners.
“I am not relenting,” Lawrence said, expressing confidence that Cross River could secure hosting rights as early as the next edition.
School Sports Revival Declared Non-Negotiable
The sports commission chairman announced plans to revive and revamp school sports across Cross River State, describing it as foundational to sustainable sports development.
“We must revamp school sports in Cross River State,” Lawrence said, warning that development efforts would fail without grassroots structures within educational institutions.
He described the initiative as a compulsory task, stressing that sports development must begin at school level to prevent youth frustration and talent waste.
“If we talk about sports development and ignore school sports, then we are not serious,” he added.
Lawrence disclosed that the commission had written formally on the issue weeks after assuming office, with phased implementation expected to follow.
Rovers FC Funding, Reforms Highlighted
Responding to concerns over football development, Lawrence admitted that Rovers FC had fallen short of top-tier expectations but said reforms were underway.
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“For football lovers, we would have loved to see Rovers at the top tier,” he said, adding that operations could no longer continue as business as usual.
Lawrence linked renewed optimism for the club to the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, citing increased financial commitment.
He said the governor met Rovers receiving ₦5 million monthly subvention but approved an increase to ₦20 million.
“His Excellency increased it to 20 million,” Lawrence said, noting that the increment addressed player welfare challenges and improved morale.
Pelican Stars Get New Management
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Government has approved the constitution of a new management for Pelican Stars Football Club as part of broader sports sector reforms.
The approval was granted by Governor Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, according to a statement issued by the Cross River State Sports Commission.
The commission said the new management was to assume office with immediate effect and align operations with the governor’s vision for sports development.
“This is to inform the general public and sporting community that His Excellency has approved the constitution of a new management for Pelican Stars,” the statement read.
Stakeholders, players, technical crew, and supporters were urged to accord the new management full cooperation.
Members of the New Pelican Stars Management
The newly constituted management includes Mrs. Sofia Francis Aribiah as Chairman and Mr. Johnson Eko as Vice Chairman.
Other members are Mr. Tom Aniah as Team Manager and Mr. Edem Umo Ephraim as Sporting Director.
Truth live news correspondent in Calabar reports that also appointed are Mr. Hodo Williams as Welfare Officer, Hon. Patrick Ifere as Member, and Mr. Ani Oku Ita as Member.
Additional members include Mr. Tom Melody Bassey, Mr. Eyo Eyo Yellowduke, with Mrs. Vivien Cocoma Inyang serving as Secretary.
The announcement was signed by Mr. Etta Lawrence Itanya, Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission.
Digital Sports Transformation Unveiled
In a related briefing, the commission’s IT team lead announced the launch of the official Cross River State Sports Commission website.
“On Saturday, we started the IT team, and today the website is live,” he said, confirming that updates would commence immediately.
He said the platform would host a Talent Home Portal, allowing athletes across the state, including rural areas, to upload performance videos.
“We want to be the first state in Nigeria to implement this strategy,” he said, explaining that scouts could access talent remotely.
The digital plan also includes automated stadium booking and reservation systems to enhance transparency and sustainability.
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“At the core of it is data,” the IT lead said, noting that accurate metrics would support planning and attract investors.
Outlook
With confirmed participation in the Niger Delta Games, an active hosting bid, club reforms, school sports revival plans, and digital transformation, Cross River State is repositioning its sports sector.
Officials said the reforms align with Governor Otu’s vision to use sports as a tool for youth development, investment attraction, and regional competitiveness.
