From Grassroots to Global Podium: Edo Sports Commission Marks Enabulele’s First Year With Strong Results, Glittering Ceremony

Bythecrusadersvoicetm

Dec 18, 2025

By Our Reporter

The Indoor Sports Hall in Benin City came alive on Wednesday as the Edo State Sports Commission rolled out the drums to celebrate the first anniversary in office of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele. Management, staff, coaches and athletes gathered in an atmosphere charged with pride, reflection and optimism.

The colourful ceremony drew executives and members of various sports associations, officials of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), coaches, athletes and other key stakeholders in Edo sports.

In her welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. A. P. Amenze, praised Hon. Enabulele for what she described as focused and purposeful leadership. She said the past year had seen renewed confidence, discipline and energy return to the state’s sports ecosystem.

Adding excitement to the event were exhibition bouts and demonstrations by the Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo and Judo associations, staged in honour of the Executive Chairman.

Speaking for SWAN Edo State, Chairman Comrade Kehinde Osagiede commended Hon. Enabulele’s open-door leadership style and consistent support for sports development. He noted that the Commission had effectively driven Governor Monday Okpebholo’s “Catch Them Young” policy through practical grassroots programmes that identify and groom 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), Barr. Anthony Ikuenobe (Edo Central), and Mrs. Sabrina Chikere, Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations. Representatives of coaches, athletes and sports associations also took turns to acknowledge the progress recorded under the current leadership.

In his stewardship address, Hon. Enabulele expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa for the trust placed in him, noting that their backing and shared vision had driven 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—33 gold, 18 silver and 28 bronze—reinforcing Edo’s reputation as a national sports powerhouse.

The Chairman also pointed to the impact of inclusive and grassroots sports programmes, citing 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 listed included outstanding performances by Edo para powerlifters on the international stage, historic achievements in cricket, weightlifting, cycling, judo and deaf athletics, as well as structural reforms such as the repositioning of Bendel Insurance FC and deeper investment in grassroots sports development.

Cultural performances added colour and tradition to the celebration, as stakeholders closed the event united in their assessment of the past year as a truly transformative period for sports development in Edo State.

 

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Hon. Cyril Oshiomhole Declares No Safe Haven for Counterfeit Drugs in Edo, Inaugurates Taskforce on Fake Drugs and Unsafe Food In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Edo State Government has inaugurated a special taskforce to combat counterfeit drugs and unwholesome processed foods and drinks. The Commissioner for Health, Hon. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, who also serves as Chairman of the committee, performed the inauguration and charged the co-opted members on the importance of their assignment. Dr. Oshiomhole emphasized that the taskforce must remain focused on its core mandate—protecting lives and curbing the spread of fake drugs and unsafe food products, which pose serious health risks to the public. He noted that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to safeguarding public health. He urged members to carry out their duties with integrity, ensure proper enforcement, and collaborate with relevant agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The Commissioner expressed concern over the rising cases of kidney, cancer, and liver-related illnesses, describing the situation as alarming. He stressed that it would no longer be business as usual, announcing plans to establish a mobile court to ensure that offenders are prosecuted and appropriately sanctioned. Speaking on behalf of the co-opted members, Mr. Steven David Edjeba described the responsibility as critical, noting that it directly impacts the health and safety of the people. He warned that the prevalence of counterfeit drugs and unsafe food in markets poses a grave danger, adding that members of the taskforce are committed to working collaboratively with government agencies and stakeholders to eliminate such products and promote a healthier society. “As members of this taskforce, we must understand that the assignment before us is not ordinary. It is a mission to protect lives and safeguard public health,” he said. “Our role requires commitment, cooperation, and integrity. We must work together with relevant government agencies, market leaders, producers, and distributors to identify, eliminate, and prevent the circulation of dangerous and fake products.” Edjeba also expressed the readiness of the team to commence operations immediately, warning that those involved in such illegal activities should desist or face a crackdown. Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the health and well-being of residents. He stated that authorities would take firm action against anyone found distributing or selling counterfeit drugs and unsafe food products. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio, highlighted the growing concern over chemically treated foods. He urged the taskforce members to operate with transparency and integrity in order to effectively protect public health. Other stakeholders at the event expressed support for the initiative and called for collective efforts to ensure the success of the taskforce in promoting a safer and healthier environment across Edo State. The inauguration ceremony was attended by key government officials and relevant stakeholders.