House of Assembly Commends Sports Progress, Calls for Private Sector Involvement

Members of the Edo State House of Assembly have commended the Edo State Sports Commission for its proactive strides in sports development, pledging stronger legislative support to advance its programmes and address operational challenges.

Led by Hon. Donald Ojemeh Okogbe Esq., Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, the lawmakers visited the Commission on an oversight function where they engaged the Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, in a review of the agency’s activities, achievements, and challenges since its inauguration in December 2024.

During the interactive session, Enabulele, represented by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, detailed the Commission’s readiness for the 2025 National Sports Festival, set for 16–30 May. He disclosed that Edo had successfully hosted the Ball Games Zonal Eliminations in February, earning praise from the National Sports Commission.

He also highlighted Team Edo’s impressive third-place finish at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in April, securing a total of 89 medals: 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze.

Enabulele further unveiled plans for grassroots talent development through the forthcoming Governor’s Cup, an inter-school competition designed to identify and nurture young athletes. He noted that the initiative, backed by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd. and the Schools’ Sports Foundation, would reinvigorate school sports across Edo State.

The Commission’s reforms in professional football were also outlined. Enabulele reported the restructuring of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens Football Clubs, with Bendel Insurance moving out of relegation and Edo Queens maintaining an unbeaten run in the Nigeria Women Football League.

He, however, cited infrastructure maintenance as a pressing concern, revealing the need to renew the stadium’s maintenance contract to sustain operational standards.

In response, Hon. Okogbe expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s progress and assured that the Assembly would present recommendations to the Governor for increased financial and policy support. He urged private investors and philanthropists to partner with the Commission in fostering sports growth in Edo State.

“This visit is both a legislative check and an opportunity to encourage efforts already underway,” Hon. Okogbe stated. “Sports development is a collaborative venture, and we must collectively harness its potential for youth engagement and economic advancement.”