Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, has called on stakeholders to unite Nigerian youths and create many job opportunities through sports.
Enabulele made the call on Tuesday in Benin while declaring open the South-South Zonal Eliminations for ball games ahead of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.
The chairman underscored the vital role of sports in fostering unity, discipline, and youth empowerment.
He described the elimination games as a pivotal stage in the road to the NSF, urging athletes and sports administrators to embrace the values of friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect beyond the spirit of competition.
“We must continue to harness the power of sports to bring our youths together and build a future filled with opportunities for them,” he said.
Addressing athletes from Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta states, Enabulele encouraged them to compete with passion, determination, and sportsmanship.
“You are not just representing your states; you are showcasing the strength, resilience, and talent of the South-South region.
“Give it your best, and let your performance speak for itself,” he said.
On the part of the match officials and referees, the sports commission chair stressed the importance of fair play and professional officiating, noting that the credibility of the tournament rested on their integrity.
“We expect nothing but impartial and professional judgment to ensure that the best teams emerge victorious,” he stated.
In his address, the zonal coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Peter Njoku, revealed that a total of 688 athletes, comprising 310 males and 378 females were competing across various events.
Njoku expressed confidence that the South-South region would dominate the NSF 2025, given the impressive talent on display.
Athletes from the states in the region are currently engaged in intense elimination rounds, battling for their spot at Ogun 2025.
(NAN)
