Edo schools shine as St. Angela’s and Agba Grammar lift trophies; Karate prodigy Aigbe honoured for national feats
Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended the Edo People’s Forum for its continued investment in grassroots sports, describing the initiative as a strong pillar supporting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of making Edo the heartbeat of sports excellence in Nigeria.
Speaking at the finals of the 4th Edition of the Edo People’s Forum Senior Secondary School Football Tournament, held on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Enabulele praised the organisers for their commitment to discovering and nurturing young talent across the State.
In the thrilling finals, St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School, Auchi, ended Idia College’s three-year dominance with a 5–3 penalty shootout victory after a 1–1 draw, while Agba Grammar School, Uromi, clinched the male trophy with a commanding 3–0 win over St. Peter’s Grammar School, Agenebode.
“What the Edo People’s Forum is doing deserves commendation. This initiative not only discovers and nurtures young talents but also keeps our students positively engaged through sports,” Enabulele said in a statement by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko. “It perfectly aligns with His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s vision to make Edo the home of sports excellence in Nigeria.”
Enabulele praised members of the Central Working Committee, Col. Charles Asowata (Rtd.), Mr. Ken Obaseki, and Prof. Joshua Okudaye, for their dedication and coordination, which have helped sustain the tournament’s growth and credibility.
He also lauded Edo Queens FC for scouting players during the event, noting that such interest from professional clubs proves the state’s grassroots structure is becoming more integrated and sustainable.
“Seeing our professional teams pick talent directly from grassroots tournaments gives me great joy,” he said. “It shows that Edo’s sports development system is working.”
The sports chief urged other organisations, alumni associations, and private entities to emulate the Edo People’s Forum by investing in youth sports initiatives that foster empowerment and unity.
“Sports remain one of the most effective tools for youth development and social cohesion. The more we invest at the grassroots, the stronger our collective future will be,” Enabulele noted.
Winners in both categories received ₦1 million, runners-up ₦500,000, and third-place teams ₦300,000.
In a related development, Hon. Enabulele hosted Precious Esohe Aigbe, a young Karate sensation from Edo State, who has won multiple national and international medals.
Aigbe’s recent accolades include a Gold Medal at the Japanese Ambassador Karate Championship in Lagos, a Bronze Medal at the African Karate Championship (UKAK) in Abuja, and Gold and Two Bronze Medals at the Zainab Saleh International Karate Championship in Lagos, where she was also named Best Athlete in her category.
Enabulele, who received Aigbe alongside Head Coach Uriel Osazuwa and the Secretary of the Edo Karate Association, Mrs Nina Awujoola, described the teenager as “a shining example of Edo’s emerging generation of champions.”
“Precious represents the excellence we are building in Edo sports, discipline, dedication, and distinction,” he declared.
The event further underscored Edo State’s growing reputation as a hub for sports talent, driven by deliberate investment in youth development and sustainable grassroots programmes.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
