The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has led a high-level inspection tour of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, declaring Edo State ready to host a successful and memorable second edition of the forthcoming Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games.
Shaibu, who was in the company, the chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Amadin Enabulele, and the Executive Director, Mrs Sabina Chikere, undertook a comprehensive assessment of the athletics tracks, playing turfs, tennis courts and spectator stands within the iconic sports complex.
The NIS boss expressed satisfaction with the state of the facilities, noting that the stadium remains one of the finest sporting arenas in the country.
Speaking, Shaibu said sports infrastructure must not only be built but sustained to meet international standards.
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“What we have seen here today reflects commitment. Edo State has once again demonstrated leadership in sports development. The facilities are in excellent condition, and with the level of preparation on ground, the NDDC Games will be a huge success,” he said.
Enabulele, in his remarks, reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to ensure seamless hosting of the games, highlighting collaboration between the Sports Commission and relevant stakeholders, while Chikere stressed the importance of athlete welfare, logistics coordination and technical readiness ahead of the event.
The inspection team moved round the pitch, interacted with officials, and evaluated key areas critical to the smooth hosting of the regional games.
At the tennis section of the complex, the DG observed ongoing finishing touches and commended the maintenance culture evident in the pristine courts and organised seating areas. The VIP stands and covered terraces were also assessed, with attention paid to security, athlete access routes and spectators’ convenience.
