The Edo State Sports Commission and leaders of the Gelegele community are joining forces to boost grassroots sports development across Edo’s riverine areas.
A high-powered delegation from the Gelegele community, led by Comrade Omaghomi Olu-Derimon, former Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, on Tuesday paid a strategic visit to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The meeting, held at the Media Centre of the stadium, was attended by top officials of the Commission and members of the visiting delegation, including representatives of the IYC.
Comrade Olu-Derimon said the visit was aimed at fostering a partnership with the Commission to develop sports at the grassroots level, particularly in the state’s riverine communities.
He applauded the Commission’s recent strides, especially Team Edo’s impressive performance at the just-concluded National Youth Games, describing it as “a resounding testament to the sports-friendly disposition of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the visionary leadership of Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele.”
“We are happy that the Commission is deliberately expanding its focus beyond football to other sporting disciplines. It is exciting to see sports like cricket, taekwondo, and squash getting more attention in talent discovery and competition,” Olu-Derimon noted.
Highlighting the natural sporting strengths of the Ijaw communities, he called for structured development in swimming and wrestling — areas where the region has strong potential.
“Naturally, the Ijaws are gifted swimmers. This is an opportunity to catch them young and nurture them for greater exploits. Gelegele, surrounded by over 300 communities, also has a natural beach that can host beach soccer tournaments for all 18 local government areas,” he added.
Responding, Hon. Enabulele praised the initiative, describing it as “a visit with ideas and community-driven solutions.”
“The Ijaws are naturally talented in swimming, wrestling, and canoeing — which has just been introduced to the National Sports Festival. Edo does not poach athletes; our focus is on discovering and nurturing local talents. We will work with your community and others to ensure Edo sports continues to grow,” Enabulele assured.
He also revealed plans to assign swimming and wrestling coaches to riverine communities to identify and train young athletes in line with Governor Okpebholo’s grassroots sports development vision.
Members of the Gelegele delegation included Collins Lelekumon (Vice Chairman), David Apohi (Secretary), Ebiye Ofunama (Financial Secretary), Cona Dumyegha (Youth President), Martey Demian (Youth Representative), Mrs. Ashly Aor, and Ebipa Morrison (Women Representatives).
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