As the MTN CHAMPS Season 3 athletics championship begins in with over2000 participants in Benin,the Governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo has stated that Edo State will continue to position itself as a hub for sports development and excellence in Nigeria just as he reiterated his
commitment to providing solid infrastructure and maintenance,as well as creating.an enabling environment that encourages grassroots sports.
The Governor gave the assurance while declaring open the MTN athletics championship during a Press. Conference at Oti Hotels in Benin on Wednesday,March 12,2025.
Represented by the Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele at the conference, Governor Okpebholo who commended the Nigeria Communication giants and their partners for the initiative promised that the state is willing to sustain collaboration with MTN and remain host for the MTN athletics championship
He urges Edo children to take advantage of the opportunity created by MTN and strive to become future champions.
“We are committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages talent discovery and nurturing of future champions. I urge all participating athletes to seize this opportunity, give your best, and represent your schools and states with pride.The MTN CHAMPS Athletics Championship is a remarkable initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young athletics talents across Nigeria. We must take advantage of it and continue to collaborate with MTN .
Meanwhile, the Edo State Sports Commission chairman Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele has expressed his profound appreciation to the Edo State Government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his dynamic deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, for their unwavering commitment to the development of sports in Edo State. He said that the commitment of the state government to revitalizing athletics and empowering Edo youth through sports is truly commendable.
” The MTN CHAMPS initiative is a significant platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and unlock their full potentials.By creating opportunities for secondary school students to compete at the highest level, this championship is not only promoting sports excellence but also instills discipline, teamwork, and resilience among our youth.
I also want to specially commend MTN for their outstanding commitment to sports development in Nigeria. Their investment in athletics demonstrates a clear understanding of the critical role that sports play in youth empowerment and economic growth.
” I thank the Edo State Government, MTN, and all stakeholders involved in making this championship a reality in our state.” Enabulele said.
Briefing the press ahead of the MTN Champs Season 3 in Benin City.the Chief Executive Officer of Making of Champions, Mr Bambo Akanni said that the MTN Champs is one of the biggest athletics championships in the world with a high level of consistency.
The championship which is being organized by MTN in partnership with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) is scheduled to run from the 13th to 16th of March, 2025 with over 2000 athletes.
According to Mr Akanni, the e ent is being staged at two venues,the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium and the University of Benin Sports Complex due to the record-breaking registration of over 2,000 applicants within 5 days of opening the portal.
He said that 20 athletes discovered in Seasons 1 and 2 who have been in MTN Athletics Academy in Lagos will be competing at the senior category in this 3rd season.
Also speaking Mr Osazee Ebueku Senior Marketing Manager and Mr Olaniyi Alabi,Sales and Trade Development Manager,MTN assured both the athletes and spectators of Special packages from. MTN. They said that MoMo are on the ground for early birds at the two centres from tomorrow.
