The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday redeemed the N30 million pledge he made to Team Edo ahead of the Niger Delta Games.
Recall that Team Edo emerged as the winners of the second edition of the Games with 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals, finishing ahead of eight other participating states.
The governor redeemed the pledge during a reception held for the athletes and officials at the Government House, Benin City.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to discovering, nurturing, and investing in young sporting talents.
Okpebholo congratulated the athletes, coaches, and sports administrators for their dedication and discipline, which culminated in the state finishing at the top of the medals table.
He noted that the victory reflects the enormous sporting potential within the state and the determination of his administration to reposition Edo as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.
The governor recalled that during the opening ceremony of the competition, he had expressed confidence that the state would not only host the tournament but also win it.
He said, “Congratulations to my dear state, Edo State, for the victory at the second NDDC Games hosted here in Edo. Some of our athletes will represent Nigeria in the Olympic Games.
“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 truly won, defeating other states.
“I promised you ₦30 million if you won, and today you have delivered. We are celebrating because we hosted and we won. You have dominated the medals table and made Edo very proud.
“Your talent is something we must harness, build on, and invest in so that Edo can produce champions who will represent Nigeria in global competitions.”
The governor noted that his administration would continue to invest strategically in sports development, stressing that the talents discovered during the tournament would be carefully groomed to compete at national and international levels.
Okpebholo also commended the Chairman of the Sports Committee, Amadin Enabulele, and other officials for their efforts.
Earlier, Enabulele said the victory was a result of the governor’s proactive support and early preparation for the competition.
He added that the Niger Delta Games victory represents Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament triumph in about 24 years, marking a turning point in the state’s sporting history.
“We are here today to present the champions’ trophy to the governor and thank him for giving us the opportunity to contribute our quota to the development of sports in Edo State,” Enabulele said.
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