By Ben Efe 10.11.2026
Nigerian youth athlete Gift Bright displayed at the Youth Olympics on-going in Dakar, Senegal investments in grassroots development of youth athletes pay by winning the boys 100m race with a time of 10.28 seconds.
Gift Bright became the first Nigerian to win the Youth Olympics 100m boys title and according to Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Bright justified the essence of the Niger Delta Games, which his firm Dunamis Icon has organised for two years running. Bright who is 15, won silver at the NDG held in Benin City February 2026 coming behind Chibueze Osama of Delta state.
“I am naturally delighted to see the realisation of one of the major planks on which the NDG was founded – which is to provide Nigeria athletes from the Niger Delta region who will bring honours to the country”, Ikpokpo who is also the Delta Athletics Association chairman said.
He declared that “there will be more celebrations of children of the Niger Delta region on the international podium for our country.”
Looking back, he expressed appreciation for the support of the games by the NDDC, the nine member State governments, the coaches, and members of the organising committee.
“As we celebrate the gold, it is very important to thank all those who, in one way or the other, made it possible. Our biggest appreciation is to the NDDC leadership led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku, whose financial backing enabled the games. The coaches and my team members in the organising committee are all contributors to this national success,” Ikpokpo concluded.