Members of the Edo State House of Assembly conducted an oversight visit to the Edo State Sports Commission yesterday, reviewing the commission’s operations and touring the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Complex.
The delegation, led by Hon. Donald Ojemeh Okogbe Esq., Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, met with the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, in what officials described as a productive engagement focused on the state’s sports development agenda.
During the interactive session, Hon. Enabulele outlined the Commission’s progress since the board’s inauguration on December 17, 2024.
“Since then, we have been working hard to set things in the proper perspective,” Enabulele said through his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko.
The Commission chairman highlighted several key achievements, including:
- Hosting the Ball Games Zonal Eliminations in February, which received “high commendation” from the National Sports Commission
- Securing third place overall at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo earlier this month, where Team Edo earned 89 medals (23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze)
- Restructuring management of the state’s professional football teams, with Bendel Insurance moving out of the relegation zone and Edo Queens remaining unbeaten in the Nigeria Women’s Football League
A significant focus of the briefing was Edo State’s preparation for the upcoming National Sports Festival, scheduled for May 16-30, 2025.
“Our athletes, coaches, and administrators are working around the clock to surpass our past festival performances,” Enabulele assured the lawmakers.
The Commission also revealed plans to enhance youth sports development through several initiatives, including the soon-to-be-launched Governor’s Cup.
“This initiative, purely sponsored by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd and organised with the Schools’ Sports Foundation, will involve schools across the state and help nurture young talent,” explained Enabulele.
Additional plans include reviving the School Sports Festival and the Ogbe Hard Court Tennis Tournament, which aim to promote both sports participation and tourism in the state.
While highlighting achievements, Enabulele acknowledged existing challenges, particularly noting the expired contract for stadium maintenance that “needs to be reviewed and renewed for us to operate optimally.”
In response, Hon. Okogbe pledged the legislature’s support:
“We will do our best to reach Mr. Governor with recommendations to boost funding and support for the Commission. We must also encourage private sector participation,” he said.
The committee chairman reiterated the legislature’s dual role in ensuring accountability while also facilitating progress. He concluded by calling on private sector stakeholders to support the Commission’s efforts.
“I urge well-meaning individuals, philanthropists, and corporate organisations to join hands with the Sports Commission. Sports development is a shared responsibility,” Okogbe stated.
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