Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the management of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) for selecting Edo State as the South-South Zonal Training Institute of the Commission.

Receiving the delegation led by NIS Director-General, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Governor described the development as a major boost to sports growth in the region, applauding the Federal Government for the initiative.

Governor Okpebholo remarked that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had assigned Shaibu to any other sector, particularly petroleum, “Shaibu wouldn’t have been happy,” citing the former Deputy Governor’s deep-rooted passion for sports.

He congratulated Edo people for securing the institute and assured that his administration would give full backing to ensure its success. The Governor admitted that he had nearly lost interest in sports until Shaibu’s persistent drive rekindled his enthusiasm.

Shaibu, in his remarks, congratulated the Governor ahead of his first anniversary in office on November 12, praising his developmental strides across the state.

“What you’ve achieved within one year, only a true homeboy could have made possible. Each time I see the Edo Line revived and new bridges springing up, I feel proud again,” he said.

He lauded President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for using sports as a tool of national transformation, citing the recognition given to the Super Falcons, D’Tigress, and Super Eagles as part of the new unified reward system for athletes.

“The President has truly prioritized the Nigerian youth as drivers of our economy, and we are happy this transformation is happening under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership,” Shaibu said.

Shaibu presented a 10-year development plan for grassroots training and regional sports development to the Governor.

Edo government officials at the meeting included Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Hon. Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff Hon. Gani Audu, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission Hon. Amadin Enabulele, and Executive Director Mrs. Sabina Chikere.

Members of the NIS delegation included the Registrar, Bursar, Consultant, and aides to the DG.