Edo State has secured another major win in Nigeria’s sports and youth development drive, as it is set to host the South-South Zonal Headquarters of the National Institute for Sports (NIS). Governor Monday Okpebholo described the move as a landmark achievement that will boost grassroots sports and youth empowerment across the region.
The announcement came on Wednesday when Governor Okpebholo received the Director General of NIS and former Edo Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.
The visit followed shortly after the Governor inaugurated two key state institutions, the Edo State Judicial Service Commission and the Governing Council of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen.
Welcoming the NIS team, Governor Okpebholo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to sports and youth development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the siting of the zonal headquarters in Edo as “a timely and strategic step.”
“Let me welcome the son of the soil to his hometown and his team,” the Governor said. “When you were appointed DG, I said thank God the President is wise. Even as Deputy Governor, you showed great passion for sports and Bendel Insurance. This is another opportunity to grow our youths through sports.”
Okpebholo lauded the move as a new dawn for sports in Edo State, adding, “Your coming gives us hope that sports will be revived again from the grassroots. I also thank Mr. President for making sports a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Truly, it is working.”
He urged the Institute to take its programmes to schools across the state to discover and nurture future champions.
Earlier, Rt. Hon. Shaibu congratulated Governor Okpebholo on his one-year anniversary in office and applauded his developmental strides, citing the revival of the New Edo Line and ongoing infrastructural projects.
“As an indigene and former Deputy Governor, I am proud of your achievements within a short period,” Shaibu said. “We are here to present the NIS 10-year working plan and officially announce Edo as the South-South Zonal Headquarters of the Institute.”
Shaibu explained that the new zonal structure aims to decentralize sports training and manpower development across Nigeria, with Edo serving as the South-South hub for coaches, administrators, and elite athletes. Other zonal offices, he said, will be established in Enugu (South-East), Kaduna (North-West), Adamawa (North-East), and Plateau (North-Central).
He added that under President Tinubu’s leadership, sports have been redefined as a catalyst for youth empowerment and national development.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo inaugurated the Edo State Judicial Service Commission and the Governing Council of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, urging members to uphold diligence, discipline, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
“I congratulate you all. This is a call to duty,” the Governor said. “Edo people are watching. It’s not enough to get into government, what matters is serving the people faithfully.”
The Governing Council of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, is chaired by Hon. Samuel Oboh, with Dr. Abdul Wasiu Oyakhire, Isibor Philips Isa Osaremen, Igbinadolor Patience Osamede, Louis Amienwan Okojie, Dr. Anthony Oyase Atogwe, and Doris Braimah as members.
Members of the Judicial Service Commission include Hon. Felix Imoisili, Esq; Prof. David Osarumwense Osifo; Omozogie Martin Ighekpe; and Hon. Usman Dauda.
Speaking on behalf of both committees, Hon. Imoisili thanked the Governor for the trust reposed in them, pledging to contribute meaningfully to the state’s growth.
“Out of over four million people, we have been chosen to serve. We won’t take it lightly,” he said. “We promise to work with you to move Edo to greater heights.”
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, top government functionaries, and dignitaries from across the state.
