Edo Sports Commission Celebrates Landmark First Year

The Edo State Sports Commission marked the first anniversary of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, with a vibrant celebration at the Indoor Sports Hall, Benin City, on Wednesday. Management, staff, coaches, athletes, and key stakeholders gathered for a colourful event reflecting on a year of significant achievements, pride, and optimism.

Mrs. A. P. Amenze, Acting Permanent Secretary, commended Hon. Enabulele’s focused and purposeful leadership, noting the return of discipline, confidence, and renewed energy to Edo sports. The occasion was further enlivened by thrilling exhibition displays from Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo associations, staged in honour of the Chairman.

Comrade Kehinde Osagiede, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State chapter, praised Enabulele’s open-door policy and consistent support for sports development. He highlighted the successful implementation of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s “Catch Them Young” initiative through grassroots programmes, identifying and nurturing young talent across the state. Following this, he conferred the Patronship of SWAN Edo State upon the Chairman.

In his address, Hon. Enabulele thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa for their unwavering support, attributing the Commission’s successes to a shared vision and teamwork. He cited Team Edo’s impressive third-place finish at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, securing a record 79 medals, the emergence of para-athletes like African para-cycling champion Favour Ojeabu, and significant progress in football, cricket, weightlifting, judo, and grassroots sports development. He described the past year as a truly transformative era for Edo sports.