Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots sports development in the state as he has promised to consider the request of Gelegele Community youth leaders to bring sports facilities and technical support to the riverine area.
Enabulele said that taking sports facilities and coaches to Gelegele Community and other riverine communities in Edo State to encourage swimming and traditional wrestling which the Ijaw people are known for has been on the front burner since after the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba.
He spoke when he received a delegation of Ijaw Youth Council(IYC)of Gelegele Community led by Olu-Derimon Omaghomi who paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday.
The Edo State Sports Commission boss revealed that some coaches have been assigned to relocate to the area for grassroots sports development programme and assured the Ijaw Youth that other requests they have made will be considered as it’s all about development of sports in the state.
Enabulele, who expressed appreciation to the Gelegele Community Youth, said that he was pleased with the visit and selfless demands.
Leader of the delegation, Olu-Derimon Omaghomi, in his address, congratulated the Sports Commission Chairman on his achievements so far and pledged their support and cooperation with him, urging him to sustain the momentum.
”The Edo State Sports Commission is doing well under the leadership of Desmond Enabulele and we are proud of his achievements particularly in the area of grassroots development.
”Our Chairman and leader, we are particularly impressed with the performance of Team Edo at the National Youth Games in Asaba. What happened in Asaba is a reflection of your commitment to grassroots sports development in Edo State.
”We want you to know that we have been following events as they unfold and we know the impact of your policy and that is why we have come to appreciate your efforts and to encourage you to sustain your development programmes.
”Mr. Chairman, as a matter of fact, we have come to seek collaboration and partnership on how to explore and harness the potentials of our riverine Gelegele Communities for the benefit of all of us.
”We want to appeal to you to consider our communities for mini sports facilities and coaches to better encourage swimming and wrestling in the Ijaw communities. We are natural swimmers and wrestlers. All we need is the technical support and modern training facilities brought closer to us.
“We have beaches in Gelegele Community and if harnessed Edo can also make progress in Beach Soccer,” he emphasized.
The Gelegele Community Youth leaders assured the Sports Commission Chairman of full support and loyalty and urged him to continue his good work.
