Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended Team Edo for their outstanding performance at the 9th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, where they finished third overall.
Receiving the victorious athletes at Government House, Benin City, alongside his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Governor praised the team’s resilience and dedication, noting that their efforts have brought pride and honour to Edo State.
In recognition of their achievements, Governor Okpebholo announced a cash reward of N10m for the athletes and urged them to remain focused and determined to reach even greater heights in future competitions.
“I congratulate our team for putting in their best and securing third place with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals. This is an impressive achievement, but I challenge you to aim higher and strive for first place in the next edition. Edo deserves to be at the top, and with commitment and discipline, we will achieve that,” the Governor stated.
He added: “The State Government will continue to support you, but I expect to see stronger dedication and greater commitment in the coming years. For your efforts, I am pleased to reward you with the sum of N10m. I believe that with harder training, even greater victories await Edo.”
Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, praised Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to sports development in the state, emphasising that the administration’s focus on athletes’ welfare has been pivotal to the team’s improved performance.
“We thank His Excellency for providing an enabling environment for sports to thrive. For the first time, Team Edo returned with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals—an unprecedented achievement in the history of our participation in the National Youth Games. The motivation has come from the Governor’s dedication to the wellbeing of our athletes,” Enabulele remarked.
Enabulele, who presented the second runner-up trophy to the Governor, affirmed that with continued government support, Edo athletes would surpass their current achievements and establish the state as a dominant force in national sports.
The 9th National Youth Games in Asaba attracted participants from across the federation, with Team Edo distinguishing itself as one of the top-performing contingents.
