Gov Okpebholo inaugurates 37 sports association committees in Edo

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated chairmen and members of the newly reconstituted 37 sports associations in the state with a charge to attract sustainable sponsorship and influence to boost the sports industry.

Governor Okpebholo said that the purpose of the dissolution and reconstitution is to reposition and reactivate the various associations for efficiency and effectiveness.

He noted that some of the association’s boards were inactive with some of the chairmen not even in the country nor contributing to the progress of the associations they belonged.

Represented by the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, the governor said the members were selected based on their contributions to the growth of sports in Edo.

He urged the chairmen and members to bring their wealth of experience as they go about the business of discovering and grooming athletes in the State.

The governor also encouraged the newly inaugurated chairmen to spread their tentacles on how to get sponsorship opportunities to support and sustain their respective associations, noting that funding is crucial for the growth and success of any sports programme

“As a leader, or chairman, you must be available to promptly address concerns, guide athletes, liaise with coaches and foster a culture of teamwork among members of your association.

“To maintain progress, we will implement reports of quarterly appraisal meetings between my Executive Board members and chairmen of various associations.

“These meetings will serve as a platform to evaluate achievements, discuss challenges and strategies for continued progress and successes”, he emphasized.

Speaking with the Tribune Sports shortly after the inauguration ceremony, Mrs Sabina Chikere, the state Executive Director for Sports Development and Operations disclosed that the chairmen have been saddled with the task of producing world-class athletes for Edo.

She maintained that Hon Amadin Enabulele-led Sports Commission Board is in a hurry to get desired results in the development of sports in Edo State and called on all the stakeholders to support the commission boss to succeed.

Meanwhile, Elder Dele Edokpayi (Athletics Association), Mr Uyi Akpata (Cricket), Dr Walter Imuodemhe (Hockey) and Mr Andrew Momodu are among the Chairmen retained just as Chief Osadolor Ogiefa was inaugurated as Chairman, the Boxing Association.

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