NDDC Games: Okpebholo Receives Champions Trophy, Promises Bigger Investment in Sports

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to harness and develop emerging sports talents in the state following Team Edo’s historic victory at the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games – Edo 2026.

The governor made the commitment while receiving the champions’ trophy during a grand reception held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, to honour the victorious athletes, coaches, and sports administrators who powered the state to the top of the medals table.

Governor Okpebholo congratulated the team for their discipline, dedication, and determination, noting that their outstanding performance reflects the enormous sporting potential within Edo State.

He expressed confidence that some of the athletes discovered during the competition would go on to represent Nigeria at future Olympic Games and other global competitions.

“Congratulations to my dear state, Edo State, for this victory at the second NDDC Games hosted here in Edo. Some of our athletes will represent Nigeria in future Olympic Games,” the governor said.

The governor recalled that during the opening ceremony of the tournament he had predicted that Edo would not only host the competition but also emerge champions.

“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,” he added.

Reaffirming his earlier promise to reward the victorious athletes, Governor Okpebholo announced that the state government would fulfil its pledge of ₦30 million to celebrate the achievement.

“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,” he said.

He also assured that his administration would continue to invest strategically in sports development, emphasizing that the talents discovered during the tournament would be nurtured to compete at both national and international levels.

“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 stated.

Governor Okpebholo commended the coaches for their critical role in preparing the athletes, describing them as the true heroes behind the team’s success.

“We want to thank our coaches for the great job they have done. You are the real heroes of this victory because you helped produce these medals,” he said.

He also praised the leadership of the Edo State Sports Commission for its professionalism and dedication in preparing the team for the tournament.

“I also want to thank the Chairman of the Sports Commission. Your commitment shows that I made the right decision in appointing you to lead sports development in Edo State,” he added.

Earlier, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, attributed the victory to the governor’s proactive support and early preparation ahead of the competition.

According to him, the triumph represents Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament victory in about 24 years, marking a significant milestone 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.

He explained that early approval of the budget enabled Team Edo to commence camping well ahead of the competition, giving the athletes an edge over other participating teams.

“Early camping made a huge difference. The governor ensured that everything needed for preparation and hosting was made available, including the upgrade of sports facilities. That investment is already yielding results,” he added.

Enabulele further revealed that Team Edo dominated particularly in swimming and weightlifting, with the weightlifting team alone delivering 17 gold medals.

At the end of the tournament, Edo State finished first on the medals table with 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals, bringing the total to 111 medals ahead of eight other participating Niger Delta states to emerge overall champions of the NDDC Games Edo 2026.