By Anne Azuka
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Delta State for successfully hosting the 9th National Youth Games.
Hon. Enabulele made the remark at St. Patrick College after watching the female football semifinal where Team Delta defeated Team Edo 2-1.
“So far, I want to thank the organizers for putting this competition together. It’s not easy hosting an event of this magnitude, so I commend Delta State for what we are witnessing here, although there is still room for improvement in certain areas,” he said.
The chairman also expressed satisfaction with Team Edo’s performance at the games, attributing their progress to the support of the state governor.
“I’m impressed with what our athletes have done. Our sports-loving governor has given us the support and enabling environment to thrive. Edo has never finished first or second at any youth games, but with what we’ve seen here, we want to change the narrative. We mean business and we want to finish on the podium,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director representing Edo North Senatorial District at the Sports Commission, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, praised the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for introducing the youth games.
“The future belongs to the youth, and the idea of these games is to catch them young. However, one key area that needs urgent attention is the issue of over-aged athletes. I noticed some athletes screened out were later seen competing for their states,” Ilaboya observed.
He emphasized that Edo’s focus is not on winning at all costs but on talent development.
“We have the youngest team at this edition. Edo is known for producing talents, and we want to continue in that direction. The youth games shouldn’t be about winning at all costs. I call on the MOC to get their data right and ensure only athletes within the U-15 bracket compete,” he said.
Ilaboya, a former Lagos SWAN Chairman, also declared Edo’s readiness to host the games in the future.
“We have hosted the National Sports Festival twice, and everyone who attended can attest to how well we organized it. We are always professional in our approach. Whenever the opportunity arises, Edo will be ready to host the youth games,” he concluded.
