Edo Sports Commission receives NDSF unity torch

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Amadin Enabulele, on Monday in Benin received the unity torch for the Niger Delta Sports Festival.

Enabulele accepted the torch on behalf of the Edo State government at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Following the ceremony, he led an entourage to the Government House, where he handed over the unity torch to Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa.

Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Idahosa expressed gratitude to the commission, noting that the governor will give necessary support to the state contingent to win the competition.

“We thank Enabulele for his performance at the commission. On behalf of Governor Okpebholo, I wish you all resounding victories in this event. The government has placed significant emphasis on sports development, and by the grace of God, we will provide all the necessary support needed to win this competition and bring medals to Edo State,” he said.

Idahosa also hailed the Niger Delta Development Commission for their efforts and partnership, which aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s vision for sports development in Edo State.

In his remarks, Enabulele emphasised the significance of the festival, stating that the event would provide a platform to identify and harness sports talents across the Niger Delta states.

While assuring that the state will not only participate but win medals in Uyo, Enabulele reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young athletes in line with Governor Okpebholo’s vision for sports development.

“Only grassroots athletes from within various communities and local governments have been selected to compete, ready to engage with other athletes regionally, nationally and internationally,” he added.

Enabulele noted that local government trials have been completed, and the state trials were now being organised, epitomising the agenda of the government’s “Catch Them Young” policy, adding that the state would participate in 11 sporting events.

With funding from the Niger Delta Development Commission, the festival is set to attract 3,000 athletes and 500 coaches and is scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1 to 8, 2025.