As 774 Edo contingent leaves for Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital in readiness for the 22nd National Sports Festival, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged the athletes representing the state to give the state adequate representation and bring gold medals back home.
Governor Okpebholo gave the charge while addressing the Ogun bound Team Edo at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, shortly before departure. The governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, encouraged the athletes to represent Edo State with excellence, good behaviour, and display of sportsmanship.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor has asked me to you that he is a man that believes in sports and will continue to invest in the development of sports in Edo State. The Governor appreciates your efforts so far in all that you have been doing but we believe you can do better. We are tired of many silver and bronze medals. Go for gold and aim for the top on the medal table at the Ogun Games.
“My principal has asked me to tell you that Edo wants gold. Win gold and get N750,000,” Hon Idahosa disclosed, adding that N150,000 and N50,000 consolation prizes will be given silver and bronze medalists respectively. We wish you a successful outing as you embark on this journey to Ogun State for the 22nd National Sports Festival and believe that by the grace of God you come back victorious.”
The atmosphere in the premises of the Edo State Sports Commission became charged when the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa asked, “are we ready for Ogun Games? Are we ready for gold? Go for gold and make Edo proud and we are ready to reward excellence.”
Speaking on behalf of the team, the Chairman of the workers union, Coach Osamwonyi John, expressed gratitude for the state government interest in the welfare of Edo sports men and women and promised that the team will make Edo proud.
Coach Osamwonyi also commended the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, for his pragmatic leadership style and open doors policy. He called for more support for the sports commission boss.
“Your Excellency, please take our message to the Governor that we want more support from the governor for our chairman. We are happy with his leadership style and want him to succeed in the task of taking Edo sports to the next level.”
Speaking earlier, the Executive Chairman, Desmond Enabulele urged the team to always remember that they are in Ogun Games to represent Edo State and must remain disciplined throughout.
“We should go and make ourselves and our dear state proud.”
He expressed appreciation for Governor Okpebholo’s support and the enabling environment for sports to thrive in the state. Enabulele said that the Governor’s support has enabled the Commission’s successful camping of athletes and comprehensive preparation for the competition to go seamlessly.
Edo left with 774 contingent, comprising 612 athletes; 324 male and 288 female. The team has 60 coaches, 36 officials and 66 state delegates. The National Sports Festival tagged, ‘Gate Way Games holds from May 16-30, 2025.
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