The Indoor Sports Hall in Benin City was a hub of celebration on Wednesday as the Edo State Sports Commission marked the first anniversary in office of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, amid widespread commendation for a year of notable progress in sports development.

The ceremony, rich in colour and symbolism, brought together management and staff of the Commission, coaches, athletes, sports association executives, officials of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and other key stakeholders in Edo sports.

Welcoming guests, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs A. P. Amenze, described Hon. Enabulele’s leadership as focused and purposeful, noting that the past year had restored confidence, discipline and renewed energy across the state’s sports ecosystem.

Adding flair to the occasion were exhibition displays by the Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo and Judo associations, staged in honour of the Executive Chairman.

Speaking on behalf of SWAN Edo State, Chairman Comrade Kehinde Osagiede praised Hon. Enabulele’s open-door leadership style and unwavering support for sports development. He said the Commission had effectively translated Governor Monday Okpebholo’s “Catch Them Young” policy into action through grassroots programmes that identify and nurture young talents across the state.

In recognition of his contributions to sports development and media relations, Comrade Osagiede conferred the Grand Patronship of SWAN Edo State on Hon. Enabulele and presented him with a special anniversary card.

Goodwill messages followed from Executive Directors of the Commission, including Hon. Frank Ilaboya (Edo North), Coach Baldwin Bazuaye, MON (Edo South), Barrister Anthony Ikuenobe (Edo Central), and Mrs Sabrina Chikere, Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations. Representatives of coaches, athletes and sports associations also acknowledged the gains recorded under the current leadership.

In his stewardship address, Hon. Enabulele expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, for the confidence reposed in him, noting that their support and shared vision had been central to the Commission’s achievements.

He highlighted Team Edo’s third-place finish at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, where the state recorded its best-ever outing with 79 medals, comprising 33 gold, 18 silver and 28 bronze.

The Chairman also underscored the impact of inclusive and grassroots sports initiatives, citing the achievement of Favour Ojeabu, a visually impaired para-cyclist who won three gold medals to emerge Africa’s champion at the African Track Para-Cycling Championship in Egypt.

Other milestones included strong performances by Edo para powerlifters on the international stage, historic achievements in cricket, weightlifting, cycling, judo and deaf athletics, as well as institutional reforms such as the repositioning of Bendel Insurance Football Club and increased investment in grassroots sports development.

Cultural performances rounded off the celebration, as stakeholders collectively described the past year as a transformative period for sports in Edo State.