Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has hailed the performance of Team Edo at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, after the state’s athletes surged to the top of the medals table with 17 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
In a statement signed on Tuesday, September 2, by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Okpebholo, the governor described the feat as “a clear and resounding evidence of the deliberate investments and policy focus of this administration on the revival and repositioning of sports as a critical tool for youth development, empowerment, and social cohesion in Edo State.”
Governor Okpebholo noted that the outstanding performance was driven by victories in weightlifting, gymnastics, swimming, and karate.
He highlighted the dominance of Edo’s women weightlifters, who swept all nine gold medals at stake, with Favour Cornelius, Esther Amarachi Chijoke, and Beauty Akpore each winning three apiece.
“Beyond the medals, this victory is a reflection of the new energy coursing through Edo’s sporting ecosystem, shaped by the SHINE Agenda which prioritises youth engagement and talent discovery,” the governor said.
Okpebholo added that through sustained grassroots sports development, upgrading of facilities, and structured support for athletes’ training and welfare, Edo State is reclaiming its pride of place as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.
“As the Games progress across 37 sporting categories, we remain confident that Team Edo will continue to consolidate on this early momentum, thereby validating our conviction that sports, properly harnessed, is not only about medals but also about building character, instilling discipline, and shaping the future of the youth,” he stated.
The governor congratulated all Edo athletes, coaches, and officials for their hard work and commitment, pledging that his administration would continue to back them fully as they fly the flag of the Heartbeat State.
“Edo shines again, and with this triumph, it is evident that the seeds sown in the sports sector under this administration are already yielding fruits of glory, unity, and hope,” he added.
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