The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Enabulele, has showcased Edo State’s recent strides in sports development during the National Convention of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), held at the Media Centre of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Enabulele, who attended the event alongside the Edo-South Executive Director of the Commission, Baldwin Bazuaye, made this known in a statement released by his Media Officer, Wilson Edoko, in Benin City.
Addressing sports journalists, he highlighted Bendel Insurance FC’s remarkable resurgence, noting that the team climbed from the relegation zone in December 2024 to a fifth-place league finish by May 2025. He attributed the turnaround to the unwavering support of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Enabulele also spotlighted Edo’s distinctive approach at the ongoing National Youth Games (NYG), where children as young as seven and eight years old were allowed to compete. He emphasized that their participation prioritizes learning and exposure over medal pressure.
Further outlining the state’s vision, the Sports Commission boss unveiled a grassroots development program aimed at talent discovery across secondary schools. He also revealed plans to build mini-stadia in all 18 local government areas to strengthen sports infrastructure statewide.
In his response, SWAN National President, Isaiah Benjamin, commended Edo’s sports progress and pledged sustained collaboration with the state. To crown the convention, a novelty football match between Northern and Southern teams was staged at the Anglican Girls Grammar School field in Asaba.
Meanwhile, Edo State currently sits second on the official NYG medal table with 25 gold, 9 silver, and 15 bronze medals, trailing only Lagos. With the Games entering their final stages, Team Edo remains determined to maintain its strong performance.
