By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission Hon. Amadi Enabulele on behalf of the state government on has received the unity torch for the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Benin City the state capitol.

He received the torch at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium from where he led the entourage that brought the torch and other sportsmen to the Government House, where he handed over the unity torch to the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis who represented the governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo.

A statement by Enabulele’s Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko quoted Idahosa as expressing the state government’s gratitude to the work the Commission is doing in sports in the state and commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for hosting the maiden regional sports festival in the county.

He quoted Idahisa as saying that “We thank Hon. Enabulele for his prolific 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.

“We appreciate the Niger Delta Development Commission for organising the first regional sports festival in the country and also commens its partnership with the state which aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s vision for sports development.”

In his remarks, Hon. Enabulele emphasized the significance of the festival, stating, “This event will provide a platform to identify and harness sports talents across the nine mandate states. We are not only participating; we are heading to Uyo to win.”

He 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 nationally and internationally.”

Enabulele noted that local government trials have been completed and the state trials are now being organized, epitomizing the agenda of the Governor’s “Catch Them Young” policy “We are set to participate in 11 sporting events.”

The festival is being funded by the NDDC and it is attracting 3,000 athletes and 500 coaches, scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1 to 8, 2025.