ESC, Gelegele Community Finalize Partnership For Grassroots Sports












ESC, Gelegele Community Finalize Partnership For Grassroots Sports 

By Editor 


In a bid to strengthen collaboration between local communities and the Edo State Sports Commission in Sports development, leaders of the Gelegele community, led by Comrade Omaghomi Olu-Derimon, a former Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, on Tuesday paid a strategic visit to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.



The meeting, which took place at the Media Centre of the Stadium, had in attendance top officials of the Commission alongside members of the visiting delegation from Gelegele and the IYC.


Speaking during the engagement, Comrade Olu-Derimon noted that the primary purpose of the visit was to seek partnership opportunities with the Commission in developing grassroots sports in the riverine communities. 



He commended the Commission’s performance, particularly the impressive outing of Team Edo at the recently concluded National Youth Games, describing their success as “a resounding testament to the sports-friendly disposition of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the visionary leadership of Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele” 



"We are happy that the Edo State Sports Commission has deliberately expanded its focus beyond football to other sporting disciplines. It is exciting to see sports like cricket, taekwondo, and squash now getting more attention in terms of talent discovery and competitiveness,” Olu-Derimon stated.



He further emphasized the need to harness the natural strengths of the Ijaw communities, especially in swimming, which offers one of the highest medal prospects at national events such as the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu.



“Naturally, the Ijaws are known for being great swimmers. This is an opportunity to catch them young and nurture them for greater exploits. Gelegele, being a central community surrounded by over 300 others, also has a natural beach that can host beach soccer tournaments featuring teams from all 18 local government areas,” he added.



“We are equally strong in wrestling, and with the right attention, Team Edo can dominate that area at the national level.”



In his response, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed appreciation for the quality and relevance of the engagement.



This is the kind of visit the Commission values — one that brings viable ideas and community-driven solutions,” Enabulele remarked. 



"The Ijaws are naturally talented in swimming, wrestling, and canoeing — which has just been introduced to the National Sports Festival. Since Edo does not engage in athletes’ poaching, our focus remains on discovering and nurturing local talents. I assure you that we will work with your community and others to ensure Edo Sports continues to grow.”



Enabulele further disclosed that a swimming and wrestling coach will soon be assigned to the riverine communities to help identify and train young athletes in line with Governor Okpebholo’s grassroots sports development vision.



Members of the visiting delegation included Collins Lelekumon (Vice Chairman), David Apohi (Secretary), Ebiye Ofunama (Financial Secretary), Cona Dumyegha (Youth President), Martey Demian (Youth Representative), and Mrs. Ashly Aor and Ebipa Morrison (Women Representatives).






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bishop Of Auchi, Dunia Blames Edo Police For Death Of Seminarian

Image
Bishop Of Auchi, Dunia Blames Edo Police For Death Of Seminarian  By Editor  The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia has described as false a report which quoted him as blaming Edo State Government for not doing enough to effect the release of the abducted priest, Rev. Philip Ekweli and a seminarian, Andrew Peter, 21, who was reportedly murdered. The priest was released at about 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, close to Amughe village, a few kilometres from Okpekpe town, North Ibie in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, ending ten days of captivity in the hands of his abductors. He is now receiving appropriate medical attention. Speaking on his mobile phone from his base in Auchi, Bishop Dunia said that the state government did it very best in handling the crisis situation but however had harsh words for men of the Edo State Police Command, who he accused of bungling the rescue efforts. He said: "I never criticized Edo State ...
Read more

Benue Village Names Cemetery After President Tinubu For Helping Killers’ Herders In Protest

Image
Benue Village Names Cemetery After President Tinubu For Helping Killers’ Herders In Protest  By Editor  YELWATA community in Benue State has erected a signpost reading “Tinubu Cemetery” in protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s insensitivity for slumbering the community during his visit to the state capital, Makurdi. It would be recalled over 200 people were killed in the midnight attacks on the 14th of this month, which lasted for several hours without intervention from the nation’s docile security agencies. The signpost is a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with residents demanding action and accountability for the government’s failure to protect its citizens. The protesters are citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” They are calling for the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens and bring...
Read more

Philanthropist Offers Scholarship To Secondary School Students In Ekiti

Image
Philanthropist Offers Scholarship To Secondary School Students In Ekiti  By Editor  A philanthropist, Dr Oluwadare Owolabi, has offered scholarships for students across some secondary schools in Ekiti State. The scholarships of N100,000 each were offered to the outstanding students in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science, Economics and Mathematics subjects across three schools. No fewer than 17 students from Igogo Commercial High School, Igogo-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area (LGA), Ayede Grammar School, Ayede-Ekiti, in Oye LGA and Odo Oro High School, Odo Oro Ekiti in Ikole LGA, benefited from the annual scholarship award. Owolabi while addressing the students and teachers at the ceremony on Thursday noted that the gesture was his own way of assisting the students, especially the indigents, in pursuing their education careers without any form of hindrance. He explained that the gesture would go a long way to encourage the students towards adding valu...
Read more