A new era for the restoration of Edo State to its glorious place in the history of sports nationally and internationally is unfolding rapidly. Since assuming office on Nov. 12, 2024 barely 60 ( sixty days ) ago, the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has engendered unprecedented progress within a short space of time moving the engine of sports to a cherished destination.
According to the Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele, “the government of Senator Okpebholo and his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa is clear on the fact that the state is the cradle of huge sports potentials.” The government, Hon. Enabulele added, while addressing a cross section of the commission’s staff on Wednesday at Ogbe Stadium that “the administration was irreversibly and energetically committed to the restoration of the glory of sports by initiating concrete actions to ensure the rejuvenation of sporting activities across the state and the renewal of the pride of Ogbe Stadium in record time.”
The comments of Sports Commission Chairman can be credibly weighed against some of the progress already achieved in the arena of sports within sixty days of Governor Okphebholo’s administration.
It is noteworthy that within the period under review, the Bendel Insurance Club which seemed to have been stagnated in the 20th place on the Nigerian Premier League has now moved to the 15th place.
Already within the period, there was the unveiling of a strategic agenda of enhanced performance and victory for the internationally recognized Edo Queens Football Club and the Bendel Insurance; the ceremony which held at the New Festival Hall of the Government House on Tuesday, last week stands as an eloquent testimony to the high rating that the government accords sports. Delivering a message from Governor Okpebholo at the event, Deputy Governor, Hon. Idahosa gave the assurance that Edo State will rise to the zenith of global victories in various sporting events.
Within the period in reference, the Executive Chairman has been engaged in re-energizing the coaches, players and athletes in preparation for enhanced performances expected of stakeholders.
As Hon. Amadin declared at various meetings last week, “the blood of sports run in the vein of Edo people, we are historically and inextricably linked to the then Midwest Region and to the defunct Bendel State which attracted international stars like King Pele of Brazil to Ogbe Stadium in 1969.”
He also referenced the hosting of the globally celebrated Ogbe Hard Court stating that all the players and athletes involved with the sports commission must therefore offer their best in restoring the glory of sports in the state.
Reports and Comments by Eruaga Suleiman Political Network
