Edo Lawmakers Visits Sports Commission on Oversight Function

By Josh Benedict

In a demonstration of legislative oversight, members of the Edo State House of Assembly have visited the Edo State Sports Commission, where they engaged the Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, in an interactive session on the Commission’s activities, achievements, and challenges.

The lawmakers, led by Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Donald Ojemeh Okogbe Esq., had a brief session with the commission’s leadership before conducted around the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Complex.

Hon. Enabulele, speaking through his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, stated:

“The Board was inaugurated on the 17th of December 2024 and resumed work the next day. Since then, we have been working hard to set things in the proper perspective.”

He highlighted the state’s preparedness for the upcoming National Sports Festival, scheduled for May 16–30, 2025.

“We hosted the Ball Games Zonal Eliminations from February 23 to 28 and received high commendation from the National Sports Commission. Our athletes, coaches, and administrators are working round the clock to surpass our past festival performances.”

Enabulele also shared the state’s exploits at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival, held April 1–9 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“Team Edo finished in 3rd place overall with 89 medals — 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze. It was a remarkable outing for us.”

Touching on youth and school sports development, Enabulele revealed plans to launch the Governor’s Cup, a grassroots sports competition:

“This initiative, purely sponsored by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd., and organized with the Schools’ Sports Foundation, will involve schools across the state and help nurture young talent.”

Regarding professional sports, Enabulele proudly reported the transformation of the state’s top football teams:

“We restructured the management of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens. We fortified both squads, and today Insurance has moved out of the relegation zone, while Edo Queens remain unbeaten in the Nigeria Women Football League. We are pushing to qualify both teams for continental competitions.”

He also outlined the Commission’s broader vision:

“Our plan is to drive the resurgence of sports in Edo State. We are bringing back the School Sports Festival, the Ogbe Hard Court Tennis Tournament, and other events to promote both sports and tourism.”

However, Enabulele did not shy away from noting current obstacles:

“We inherited several challenges, including the expired contract for stadium maintenance. That needs to be reviewed and renewed for us to operate optimally.”

In his response, Hon. Okogbe expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s efforts and pledged support:

“We have come to see how well the Commission is achieving its mandate. As a legislature, we hold a responsibility to ensure checks and balances, but also to bridge gaps where necessary.”

He continued:

“We will do our best to reach Mr. Governor with recommendations to boost funding and support for the Commission. We must also encourage private sector participation.”

The committee chairman concluded by calling on stakeholders:

“I urge well-meaning individuals, philanthropists, and corporate organisations to join hands with the Sports Commission. Sports development is a shared responsibility.”

The visit underscores a strong collaboration between the Edo State House of Assembly and the Sports Commission, aimed at revitalizing the sports ecosystem and empowering athletes across the state.