Israel Adebiyi 

The Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Honourable Dr. Desmond Enabulele, has reaffirmed the Commission’s strong commitment to identifying, nurturing, and developing sporting talents across the state, with a long-term vision of restoring Edo to its rightful place as a national sports powerhouse.

Dr. Enabulele gave the assurance while receiving the General Manager of Super 88.1 FM Benin, Mr. Gbenga James, and the Head of News and Current Affairs, Mr. Israel Adebiyi, in his office in Benin City.

According to the Chairman, the Commission is focused not just on immediate victories in competitions but also on building a formidable sporting future through grassroots scouting, school sports programmes, and community-based initiatives. 

He commended the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for providing visionary leadership and consistently supporting the development of young athletes across all 18 local government areas of the state.

“We are proud of the structure being laid by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who has insisted that sports development must begin from the grassroots. The grooming of young talents from every corner of the state is a top priority, and we are determined to deliver on that mandate,” Enabulele said.

While expressing optimism about the state’s participation in future competitions, the Chairman disclosed that Edo’s contingent to the forthcoming National Sports Festival is well-prepared and will perform excellently, just as the state's athletes impressed at the recently concluded Niger Delta Games.

“Our athletes are in high spirit and well-trained. I have no doubt that they will make Edo proud at the National Sports Festival, just as they did at the Niger Delta Games where their performance was exceptional,” he added.

However, Enabulele expressed concern over the growing trend of migration among sporting talents who leave in search of greener pastures abroad or in other states. He described the situation as a national challenge that must be addressed with deliberate policies and improved local opportunities.

“We must create an environment where athletes feel valued and supported. Losing talents to other places diminishes our potential. That’s why we’re not just grooming talents—we're also building systems to retain and empower them,” he stated.

In his remarks, a Director in the Commission and former Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Honourable Frank Ilaboya, commended Super FM for its dedication to sports reporting and advocacy. 

He described the station as a strategic partner in promoting a culture of sports excellence.

“Super FM has shown consistent commitment to the growth of sports in Edo. We’re optimistic that with stronger collaborations, we can achieve even greater milestones in the sector,” Ilaboya noted.

Earlier, the General Manager of Super FM, Mr. Gbenga James, applauded Edo State for maintaining its reputation as a “team to beat” and for consistently producing sporting legends who have represented Nigeria on global platforms.

“Edo is not just a state with talent—it is a breeding ground for greatness in Nigerian sports. From football to athletics, wrestling to weightlifting, Edo has given the country some of its best. At Super FM, we are passionate about using our platform to project these stories to the world,” James stated.

The meeting also explored potential areas of partnership, including live coverage of sports events, athlete documentaries, grassroots talent spotlight segments, and joint initiatives aimed at reviving interest in school and community sports.