Echoes of 2nd Niger Delta Games: Little Esohe Obtains Favour In Sight Of Governor Okpebholo














Echoes of 2nd Niger Delta Games: Little Esohe Obtains Favour In Sight Of Governor Okpebholo 


By Editor 


The second Niger Delta Games has come and gone but team Edo athletes and officials have continued to reap the benefits of their impressive performance and finishing tops in games hosted by the state.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Executive Governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo accorded the victorious team Edo a grand reception at the Government House Benin City, in recognition of their impressive outing and the enduring sacrifices the team made to bring honour to the state after such honour had in time past eluded the heartbeat state for about 24 years despite the state government previously committing huge resources into sports development programmes.

One of the most touching highlights of the reception was when the Governor showed compassion on Team Edo’s youngest athlete, Esohe Mfon Shadrach, who won a Bronze medal in the Chess event at the competition. The Governor in his usual benevolence, singled out little Esohe for favour with a souvenir and cash donation of N1m to support the little girl' career and family's economy.

As the reception came to an end, Governor Okpebholo noticed the 10-year old Chess athlete Esohe during the group photo session and had compassion on her. "Chairman, how did you come about having a young talent like this in your team and she is even among the medalists.  Chairman, bring the little girl to my office along with coaches who are the real heroes, I have a gift for her", Governor Okpebholo said to the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Enabulele.

It was a pleasant surprise for the Sports Commission chairman and others in attendance when the Governor through his Chief Protocol Officer, gifted Esohe a souvenir and N1m just as he separately rewarded team Edo coaches with N5m.

The state sports contingent led by Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele were warmly received by the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, HE Sen. Monday Okpebholo, following their historic triumph at the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games tagged Edo 2026.

It was a truly inspiring moment as His Excellency took time to personally celebrate the athletes whose dedication brought honour to Edo state after finishing as the best team at the Games.

This thoughtful gesture once again demonstrates Governor Okpebholo's unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of champions in Edo State.

As a mark of honour and reward for excellence, the Executive Chairman Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele on Wednesday formally presented the N1m cash reward to Esohe in his office with Esohe's parents on ground as directed by the governor, a gesture that will undoubtedly inspire her to do greater exploits in the future. The parents however expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Edo State Sports Commission.

The sports commission chairman said: "On behalf of the Edo State Sports Commission and the entire Team Edo family, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency for this remarkable show of love and encouragement. This will only spur us to do more for the state 

" Moments like this will continue to motivate our young athletes to strive for excellence, while proudly representing our great state.

Indeed, with this level of support and reward system, Edo sports will continue to rise to even greater heights", Enabulele emphasized."

Team Edo has always ended up in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th positions in regional or national sports fiestas in the past 24 years. The last time the state emerged champions at any major sporting events was in the year 2002 when the state hosted and won the National Sports Festival. 

Many sports enthusiasts, business owners around the stadium and from neighbouring states as well as Team Edo athletes and coaches have openly admitted that the Dunamis and Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC's organized regional sports fiesta is a blessing to the state.

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