Kingsley Abavo, Managing Editor Benin
2nd from (L) Peter Njoku, South - South region coordinator, National Sports Commission and (C) in suit, Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond
Amadin Enabulele with other members of the Commission
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The Senator Monday Okpebholo led Edo State Government has again identified sports as a potent tool to positively impact the youths.
"Sports have always been a powerful tool for unity, discipline, and youths empowerment."
The Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele during the media briefing of the National Sports Festival South - South Zonal Elimination Games holding in Benin, on Tuesday, spoke on behalf of the Government.
"We must continue to harness the power of sports to unite our youths and build a future filled with opportunities for them."
Enabulele urged the participants to compete with passion, determination, and sportsmanship.
"You are not just representing your States; but also showcasing the strength and talent of the South - South region.
"Give it your best, and let your performance speak for itself!"
In the same vein, he called on the referees and officials to play by the rules of the game in the discharge of their assignments.
While emphasizing the importance of fair play and impartiality in officiating, Enabulele points out that the credibility of the games depends on their credibility and integrity.
"We expect nothing but unbiased and professional judgement to ensure that the best teams emerge victorious."
Acknowledging the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo for providing the enabling environment, Enabulele assured that Edo would not disappoint as the host of the competition.
...688 athletes converge on Benin
A total of 688 athletes; 310 males and 378 females have converged in Benin-City, the Edo State Capital, for the 'Elimination Games'.
Athletes from the six States of the region; Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross Rivers are already in Benin for the competition.
Making his remarks during the media briefing, Peter Njoku, Zonal Coordinator, South - South region, National Sports Commission (NSC), asserts that the body is focusing more on the grassroots for the discovery of new talents.
From the national youth games, a lot of talented athletes have been discovered, he said.
Adding that for example, most players in the under 18 female basketball national team who have qualified for the world cup competition in the Czechs republic in June later this year; were discovered locally during the youth games, and from local leagues.
Njoku who is also the immediate past secretary - general of the Nigeria Basketball Federation continued: "We did a lot to fish out these athletes and put them in the national teams and they are doing good. Watch out for them by June in the Czech Republic; they will shock the whole world!"
Same with the Cricket team for which a lot of grassroots players have been discovered from Edo State, he added with pride.
The new National Sports Commission which he noted has started very well; would make Nigeria a country to beat in all sports in the next one year, all things being equal.
The five days competition which he said began Tuesday morning across all the venues; will produce two finalists from each of the sports, which will automatically qualify for the national sports festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State a few months away, Njoku exclusively told hilltopnationaleng.blogspot.com.
All the team games; football, handball, hockey, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, cricket and abula are being featured in the competition.
The Zonal Coordinator thanked the Edo State Government for accepting to host the games even at short notice.
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