Sports Development: Edo to Rebrand 14 Sports

Edo State Government has identified 14 sports for rebranding, as enjoyed by Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance Football Clubs, including Handball.

The State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu disclosed this, while hosting Edo Dynamos Handball Team,which clinched the 3rd position in the just concluded National Division 1 Handball League.
He praised the team for the hardwork and talent displayed during the championship.

Shaibu noted that with the calibre of persons in the new Edo State Sports Commission, headed by ex-international Nigerian high jumper, Mr.Yusuf Ali, Edo is poised to regain its number one position in sports among the comity of States in Nigeria.

According to the Deputy Governor: “we have identified 15 sports which we will immediately strengthen. We have started with football and just as we have done with Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens, we will rebrand these sports we have identified where we have competitive strength. Our plan is to have our athletes comprising half of any national team in any sporting event. We want National Coaches to be coming to Edo again to scout for players; this is the charge Mr.Governor has already given to members of the Sports Commission and I believe with their pedigree,they will achieve this”.

As part of catching them young, the Deputy Governor stated that the Sports Commission will be harvesting talents from schools and enrolling those not in schools in vocational studies to ensure they have a future after their sports career.

The Deputy Governor added that the State Government was working with the private sector to encourage their involvement in sports development in the State for better funding.
In his speech, Chairman of Edo Dynamos Handball Club, Emmanuel Akhigbe, commended Edo State Government for its support during the just concluded National Handball Division 1 League.
Also speaking, Captain of the Team, Uyigue Enomwen, appealed to the Deputy Governor for more support in the recruitment of new players to beef up the Team for optimal performance.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the club’s jerseys to Governor Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy, Rt.Hon.Comrade Philip Shaibu, as well as the Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Ali and Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Sabina Amiemenoghena Chikere.