Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has stated that his principal, Governor Monday Okpebholo, “has repositioned the Edo State Sports Commission with a clear mandate to return sports development to our grassroots through talents identification and nurturing across all sports discipline.
“Edo State is firmly on the path of repositioning or reclaiming its glory of sports excellence.”
He was speaking on the occasion of the kick off of this year’s edition of the Kada Unity Cup tournament for military and paramilitary teams in Edo State which held at the Chief Lucky Igbinedion Sports Centre, Oti Hotel, Etete GRA, Benin City on Monday.
According to Idahosa, who represented the Governor on the occasion, “this tournament is more than a sporting competition. Its a celebration of unity, collaboration, discipline and sportsmanship. Values that define the essence of our military and paramilitary institutions and remain vital to the peace, security and development of our society.
“As you compete on this field I urge you to remember that team work is a cornerstone of success. The same cooperation, resilience and strategic coordination displayed in this tournament are the very qualities required to confront and overcome the challenges facing our communities and our nation at large.
“Our participation also promotes physical fitness, mental wellness, interagency synergy all of which are essential to your professional duties.”
In his welcome address, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, a former Governor of Edo State, who is the Chief Sponsor of the tournament, heaped praises on the state government for showing interest in it.
He urged the participating teams to use the opportunity that the tournament provides to bond and stay united.
Executive members of the State Football Association, led by its Chairman, Fred Newton Erhumwunse, were on ground to ensure that all the arrangements were in order.
Highlight of the day is the opening match between the Nigeria Airforce and Nigeria Correctional Services teams which was won 3 goals to 1 by the latter after trailing 1 nil at the end of the first half.
The final of the tournament, which is the third in the series, is slated for the 16th of February at the same venue.
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