2025 NSF: Edo Govt. tasks team to go for gold

Posted : 18 May 2025

As the 774-member Edo contingent leaves for Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, in readiness for the 22nd National Sports Festival, the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the athletes representing the state to give Edo adequate representation and bring home gold medals.

Governor Okpebholo gave this charge while addressing the Ogun-bound Edo team at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, shortly before departure.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, encouraged the athletes to represent Edo State with excellence, good behavior, and sportsmanship.

"His Excellency, the Executive Governor, has asked me to tell you that he is a man who 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 of the medal table at the Ogun Games."

“My principal has asked me to tell you that Edo wants gold. Win gold and receive N750,000,” Hon. Idahosa disclosed, adding that N150,000 and N50,000 consolation prizes will be given to 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 will come back victorious.”

The atmosphere at the premises of the Edo State Sports Commission became charged when Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa asked, “Are we ready for the Ogun Games? Are we ready for gold? Go for gold, make Edo proud, and we are ready to reward excellence.” The crowd of athletes and officials responded with a chorus of affirmation: “We are ready!”

Speaking on behalf of the team, the chairman of the workers’ union, Coach Osamwonyi John, expressed gratitude for the state government’s interest in the welfare of Edo sportsmen and women and promised that the team would make Edo proud.

Coach Osamwonyi also commended the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, for his pragmatic leadership style and open-door 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 him 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, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, urged the team to always remember that they are at the 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 proceed seamlessly.

Edo left with a contingent of 774, comprising 612 athletes—324 males and 288 females. The team has 60 coaches, 36 officials, and 66 state delegates.

The National Sports Festival, tagged the ‘Gateway Games,’ will hold from May 16 to 30, 2025.

2025 NSF: Edo Govt. tasks team to go for gold

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