Edo State set to flag off MTN athletics Champs, March 13

Posted : 07 March 2025

Mr. Idowu Adesokan, General Manager, Segment and Devices, MTN, said that MTN Champs Season Three would commence in Benin from March 13 to 15.

Adesokan stated that the company had concluded plans to organize athletics competitions for secondary school students nationwide to discover young talents.

He made this statement during a visit to Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo in Benin.

He added that the program, which would also be held in Lagos and Akwa Ibom, aims to engage 7,000 students nationwide.

“Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos states are targeted for this program, with 2,000 students in each of the first two states and 3,000 in Lagos.

“Since its inception in 2023, the program has engaged 900 secondary schools, hosted over 15,000 students, and discovered 20 talented athletes for further training.

“The 20 selected athletes currently training at the MTN Academy include several from Edo, demonstrating the region’s strong athletic potential.

“The initiative aims to encourage youth to consider athletics as a career, focusing on grassroots development and promoting sports at the community level,” he said.

He added that Edo was chosen for the 2025 edition due to its continuous investment in sports development and its outstanding performance at the National Sports Festival.

Adesokan emphasized the importance of grassroots programs like MTN Champs in reviving athletics in Nigeria and fostering future Olympic athletes from the country.

He also expressed gratitude for Edo State’s contributions, noting that three of the 20 selected athletes are from the state, highlighting its leading role in athletics.

“We are here to partner with the Edo government, and we want the government to be involved by providing sports facilities, accommodation, and logistics for the athletes.”

In his remarks, Okpebholo praised MTN for choosing Edo to launch the program and pledged full support for its success, including logistical and financial assistance.

Okpebholo assured MTN of the state’s cooperation in organizing the event, offering resources such as transportation, accommodation, and government assistance for athletes and organizers.

He, who confirmed his attendance at the launch, emphasized the importance of sports in driving development and raising awareness within the community and beyond.

Edo State set to flag off MTN athletics Champs, March 13

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