The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on Monday officially opened the Main Organizing Committee, which will be chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission.
This comes as the Edo State Sports Commission is getting ready for the 4th Edo State Sports Festival, which is scheduled for April of this year. The Deputy Governor gave the committee its inauguration at Government House in Benin and expressed faith in its capacity to organize the Edo State Sports Festival’s fourth edition.
The sports festival, according to Hon. Idahosa, is a major effort by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to promote community sports participation and grassroots sports development. He stated that the state is prepared to solidify its standing as the nation’s leader in sports development.
“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 Discovery ,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.
In the meantime, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, assured the government and the people of Edo that his board would take advantage of every opportunity and work tirelessly to further solidify Edo State’s reputation as a powerhouse in sports and restore it to its former glory.
The committee is chaired by Mrs. Sabina Chikere, the Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations; other members include Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Executive Director of Edo North; Hon. Baldwin Bazuaye, Executive Director of Edo South; and Barr. Ikunobe Anthony, Executive Director of Edo Central in the State’s Sports Commission.
During the 4th Edo State Festival Committee’s inauguration at Government House on Friday, the head of the Edo State Sports Commission, who is also the chairman of the main organizing committee for the Edo State Sports Festival, provided the guarantee.
As the state and country require vitality in the socioeconomic and athletic domains, he thanked the state government for its steadfast dedication to sports development and the opportunity it has granted him and his board members to serve.
“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.
In addition to promising that the festival would adhere to international standards and uphold the values of fairness, competition, and sportsmanship, he restated the administration’s goal of making Edo a center for sporting excellence in Nigeria.
“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.
