Grassroots Sports Development: Edo Govt Inaugurates Committee for Secondary Schools Games

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has appointed a dynamic 12-member organizing committee for the highly anticipated Edo State Secondary Schools Games. This strategic initiative is part of the State Government’s comprehensive sports development strategy aimed at nurturing young talents and fostering a vibrant sports culture.

The State Government had established an inter-agency committee earlier to explore incorporating sports into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools. Following the committee’s report, which received the State Government’s approval, the stage is set for the transformative inclusion of sports in educational institutions across the state.

During the inauguration ceremony, Shaibu emphasized the crucial role that competitions play in athletes’ growth and development. He stressed the need to create a platform, such as the Edo State Secondary Schools Games, for young athletes to showcase their skills and talents, as research has shown that without competitions, progress and improvement remain elusive.

“Because the State Government places such a high value on the development of grassroots sports, His Excellency, Mr. Governor assigned the Sports Commission the goal of identifying and developing 10,000 athletes over the next five years. This means that in a single year, at least 2,000 athletes will be found.

“The Secondary Schools Games present the Sports Commission with a fantastic opportunity to meet and potentially exceed the target.

“It is anticipated that the State Sports Commission, Local Government Sports Committees, and the Ministry of Education will work together to elevate sports to the appropriate level.

“The Edo State Government acknowledges the significant contribution that sports make to the enhancement and preservation of health, the fostering of positive social interactions, the growth of critical thinking, and the facilitation of” Shaibu stated.

The Chairman and Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Yussuf Alli and Mrs. Sabina Chikere, expressed their enthusiasm for this remarkable milestone in grassroots sports development. The formation of the organizing committee represents a significant step forward in nurturing young athletes and realizing their potential.

The committee is led by Mr. Yussuf Alli, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, as Chairman, and Mrs. Sabina Chikere, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, as Secretary. Other respected members include Hon Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Barr Andrew Emwanta, the Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, and Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, the Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations. Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Dr. Osa Oviawe, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe (co-chairperson), Prof. Obehi Akoria, Dankwara Mohammed (Edo State Commissioner of Police), Ozavize Salami (Executive Chairman of Subeb), Osawe Osagie (Board Secretary, State Secondary Education Board), and Osayaba Osarenren (Executive Director of Sports Facilities Development and Maintenance) complete the esteemed committee.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Yussuf Alli, reiterated the commission’s unwavering dedication to repositioning sports in the state. He seized the opportunity during a press briefing at the Government House in Benin, announcing that on Thursday, April 27, the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, will constitute sports committees to ensure the efficient and seamless functioning of various sports associations in the state.