BENIN CITY — Monday Okpebholo has hailed the resilience, discipline and unity of Team Edo after the state was crowned overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, tagged ‘Edo 2026,’ ending a 24-year wait for a major multi-sport tournament title.
Edo topped the medal table with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, amassing a total of 111 medals to surge past traditional powerhouses, Delta and defending champions Bayelsa in a keenly contested week-long regional fiesta.
The triumph marks Edo’s first major tournament victory since hosting and winning the 2002 National Sports Festival, breaking a title drought that had lingered for over two decades.
Receiving the overall winners’ trophy on behalf of Governor Okpebholo at the closing ceremony held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended the athletes for making the government and people of the state proud.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development, describing the games as a spectacular celebration of talent, unity and excellence across the Niger Delta.
According to him, beyond medals and records, the competition embodied the spirit of cohesion and shared progress that defines the oil-rich region.
“With the array of gifted athletes, dedicated officials, committed organisers and supportive fans gathered here, I boldly reaffirm that sport remains one of the most powerful unifying forces in our society,” he said.
He noted that sports serve as a strategic tool for curbing social vices and violence by channeling youthful energy into productive ventures, while also creating economic opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship and opening pathways for growth and development.
The deputy governor charged the athletes to carry forward the lessons of discipline, teamwork, integrity and fair play demonstrated throughout the Games.
“You have shown, not only talent, but character. Let the values you have displayed here propel you to greater heights. Continue to inspire your communities and serve as shining examples of what dedication and hard work can achieve,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo also expressed appreciation to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), sponsors, partners and organisers for delivering what he described as a resounding success, and congratulated the athletes on their achievements, expressing optimism that the exposure gained would serve as a springboard to national and international laurels.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, attributed the victory to meticulous preparation, improved athlete welfare and a renewed belief in winning on home soil.
He praised the athletes for their courage, unity and fighting spirit, dedicating the triumph to Governor Okpebholo for providing the necessary support and resources.
“Edo is back on track. This is just the beginning of a new dawn. Our catch-them-young and grassroots talent discovery policy is working. In the coming years, more dividends will be delivered. We are focused and determined to change the narrative. We did not just win; we set a new standard for excellence,” Enabulele said.
Over 3,000 athletes from nine states competed in 17 sports at the Games, delivering standout performances in weightlifting, athletics, boxing and swimming, with the title race going down to the final day before Edo surged clear.
Delta State mounted a strong challenge to finish second with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals, while Bayelsa slipped to third place with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals.
Akwa Ibom placed fourth, followed by Abia, as Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo completed the standings in the highly competitive regional sports fiesta.
The ceremony drew the curtain on a memorable week of sporting excellence and cultural exchange, with participants commending the hospitality of the Edo people and the high standard of organisation.
The governor wished all contingents safe journeys back to their respective states and invoked blessings on Edo State, the Niger Delta region and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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