Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to discovering, nurturing and investing in young sporting talents following Edo State’s victory at the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games – Edo 2026.
The governor made the pledge while receiving the champions’ trophy during a reception held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, in honour of Team Edo for emerging overall winners of the regional tournament.
Okpebholo congratulated the athletes, coaches and sports administrators for their discipline and dedication, which saw Edo State finish top of the medals table. He noted that the victory reflects the immense sporting potential within the state and his administration’s determination to reposition Edo as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.
“Congratulations to Edo State for the victory at the second NDDC Games hosted here in Edo. Some of our athletes will go on to represent Nigeria at future Olympic Games,” the governor said.
He recalled that during the opening ceremony he had expressed confidence that Edo State would not only host the tournament but also emerge victorious.
“At the opening ceremony of the NDDC Games Edo 2026, I said Edo State is not just hosting but hosting to win. Today, we have fulfilled that promise,” he added.
The governor reiterated his pledge to reward the victorious athletes with ₦30 million, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the state.
“I promised you ₦30 million if you won, and today you have delivered. We hosted and we won. You have dominated the medals table and made Edo very proud,” he said.
Okpebholo assured that the talents discovered during the competition would be carefully developed to compete at national and international levels.
“Your talent is something we must harness, build on and invest in so that Edo can produce champions who will represent Nigeria globally,” he stated.
He also commended the coaches for their role in preparing the athletes, describing them as the real heroes behind the medals.
“We thank our coaches for the great job they have done. You are the real heroes of this victory,” he said.
The governor further praised the leadership of the Edo State Sports Commission for its commitment in preparing the team for the competition.
Earlier, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, attributed the victory to the governor’s proactive support and early preparation for the tournament.
He noted that the triumph represents Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament victory in about 24 years.
According to him, early approval of funds enabled Team Edo to commence camping ahead of the competition, giving the athletes the necessary preparation that distinguished them from other teams.
Enabulele disclosed that Team Edo excelled particularly in swimming and weightlifting, with the weightlifting team alone winning 17 gold medals.
At the end of the tournament, Edo State finished first on the medals table with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals — a total of 111 medals — ahead of eight other participating Niger Delta states to emerge overall champions of the NDDC Games Edo 2026.
The press release is signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Edo State Government
