By Joseph Isokpehi
As the Edo State Sports Commission begins preparation for the 4th Edo State Sports Festival billed for April this year, the Deputy Governor of Edo State Rt.Hon. Dennis Idahosa on Monday inaugurated the Main Organizing Committee, with the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission as Chairman of the committee.
Inaugurating the Committee in Government House,Benin,the Deputy Governor expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a successful fourth edition of the Edo State Sports Festival
Hon Idahosa, described the sports festival as a key initiative of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to enhance grassroots sports development and community sports participation. He expressed the state’s readiness to consolidate on its position as a leader in sports development in the country.
“Today, we are inaugurating a committee tasked with the responsibility of organizing Edo’s 4th Sports Festival.
This festival is a strategic step towards strengthening sports in the state; ensuring talent discory ,development, and preparing athletes for future competitions, including the 2025 National Sports Festival holding in Ogun state in May this year,” Idahosa stated.
He noted that without regular competitions, athletes would struggle to achieve their full potential.
“The state’s sports festival serves as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing talent as well as to encourage community participation from all local government areas. It will also play a vital role in the selection process for Edo’s contingent for the National Sports Festival”. He added.
The Deputy Governor who emphasized the importance of teamwork, urged committee members to work diligently as a team to ensure an impactful festival.
The committee has Mrs Sabina Chikere, the Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations as Secretary. Other members include Hon Frank Ilaboya Executive Director representing Edo North,Hon Baldwin Bazuaye,(MON Executive Director representing Edo South and Barr Ikunobe Anthony, Executive Director representing Edo Central in the State’s Sports Commission as members.
Others are Acting Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Sports Commission Mrs. A.P. Efe-Amenze, Mr. Gideon Ukpiebo,Mr. Lucky Adagbonyin,Mrs. Rosemary Amadasun,Dr Uduimho Water Imoedemhe; Mr.Charles Olubayor and Dr. Richard Alabi .
Meanwhile,the Executive Chairman Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele assured the government and Edo people that his board will explore all opportunities and work tirelessly further solidify the reputation of Edo State
as a powerhouse in sports and make it great again.
The Edo state Sports Commission boss who is also the chairman of the 4th Edo state Sports Festival Main Organizing Committee gave the assurance on Friday during the inauguration of the 4th Edo State Fistival Committee in Government House.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for its unwavering commitment to sports development and the privilege given him and his board members to serve now that the state and nation need vibrancy in the sports and socioeconomic spheres.
“As a committee, we fully understand the responsibility placed upon us. We assure the government and people of Edo State that we will execute our plans with utmost dedication and excellence,” Enabulele said.
He reiterated the administration’s vision of making Edo a hub for sporting excellence in Nigeria, vowing that the festival would meet global standards,adding that the principles of fairness, competition, and sportsmanship will be upheld.
“Edo State has a rich history of sporting achievements. This festival provides an opportunity to celebrate our current athletes while discovering new talents who will represent the state and the nation at higher levels,” he added.
Enabulele also pledged to collaborate with key stakeholders, including sports associations, board members, sponsors, and the general public while also promising transparency and innovation in planning and execution.
