Commonwealth, World Athletics Trial: Edo ready to host, showcase world-class facilities

As Edo State perfects preparations to host the Commonwealth and World Athletics Trials, the State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has restated the readiness and commitment of the Government and People of Edo State to showcase the world-class facilities and equipment for the success of the competition.

In a statement personally signed by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, he affirmed that

” The Government and good People of Edo State, the heartbeat of Nigeria,are profoundly delighted to welcome athletes and officials from around the globe to the Commonwealth and World Athletics Trials, being hosted by Edo State, South-South Nigeria”.

“For us, this event billed to last for three days(23rd – 25th June,2022), in the ancient City of Benin is very historic, as Edo is hosting the trials for the first time, in the history of the competition”.

The statement adds: “it is heartwarming and gratifying to know that 400 athletes and 100 officials from Europe, USA, Canada and Africa will converge on Edo for the inter-continental competition”.

For the records, Edo State is renowned as the nativeland of sports among the comity of states in Nigeria.

Edo is reputed for its world-class sports arena, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

According to the Deputy Governor, “as a responsible Government and hospitable people, we shall not take for granted the convergence of our highly esteemed guests on the ancient City of Benin.

lndeed, it is a rare opportunity for us as a State to showcase our capacity and competence to host an international sporting event of this magnitude”.

Edo is the most secured State in the South-South sub-region of Nigeria. He adds: ” We are the home of culture and hospitality. Our people are resourceful, creative, hardworking and accommodating”.

The championship will serve as selection trials for the World Athletics Championship scheduled for Oregon, USA in July and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom in August.

The elated Shaibu further said that “we wholeheartedly welcome all of you, including athletes, officials of the Commonwealth and World Athletics Federation and our own dear Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare”.

“We also warmly welcome Solomon Ogba, former President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and currently the Vice President, Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC), Tony Okowa, President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria and other dignitaries”.

“Finally, Edo is excited and proud to have a galaxy of the best world athletes and their officials on its fertile soil”, the statement concludes.