By Edward Oseghe
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to harness and develop the abundant sporting talents in the state following Team Edo’s remarkable triumph at the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games, Edo 2026.
The governor made the declaration on Tuesday while receiving the champions’ trophy during a colourful reception held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, in honour of the victorious Team Edo contingent after they finished top of the medals table at the regional sporting event.
Commending the athletes, coaches, and sports administrators for their resilience and commitment, Okpebholo described the victory as a reflection of Edo State’s rich sporting heritage and the immense potential of its young athletes.
“Congratulations to my dear state, Edo State, for the victory at the second NDDC Games hosted here in Edo. Some of our athletes will represent Nigeria in future Olympic Games,” the governor said.
He recalled that at the opening ceremony of the competition, he had confidently declared that Edo would not only host the tournament successfully but also emerge champions.
“At the opening ceremony of the NDDC Games Edo 2026, I said Edo State is not just hosting but hosting to win. Today, we have truly won, defeating other states,” he stated.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his earlier promise to reward the athletes with ₦30 million, noting that their outstanding performance had brought pride and honour to the state.
“I promised you ₦30 million if you won, and today you have delivered. We are celebrating because we hosted and we won. You have dominated the medals table and made Edo very proud,” he added.
The governor stressed that his administration would continue to strengthen sports development in the state by investing in facilities, training programmes, and athlete grooming to ensure Edo produces champions capable of representing Nigeria on the global stage.
“Your talent is something we must harness, build on, and invest in so that Edo can produce champions who will represent Nigeria in global competitions,” he said.
He also paid glowing tribute to the coaches, describing them as the silent architects of the athletes’ success.
“We want to thank our coaches for the great job they have done. You are the real heroes of this victory because you helped produce these medals,” Okpebholo noted.
Earlier, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, attributed the success largely to the governor’s proactive leadership and timely support for the team’s preparation.
According to him, the triumph represents Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament victory in about 24 years, signalling a new era in the state’s sporting fortunes.
“We are here today to present the champions’ trophy to the governor and thank him for giving us the opportunity to contribute our quota to the development of sports in Edo State,” Enabulele said.
He explained that early approval of funds enabled Team Edo to commence camping ahead of the competition, giving the athletes a crucial advantage over other participating states.
Recall that Edo State topped the medals table with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, amassing a total of 111 medals to emerge overall champions ahead of eight other Niger Delta states.
Delta State finished second with 39 gold medals, while defending champions Bayelsa placed third. Akwa Ibom came fourth, followed by Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo.
Team Edo particularly excelled in swimming and weightlifting, with the weightlifting team alone contributing an impressive 17 gold medals.
The Niger Delta Games Edo 2026 featured over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states competing in 17 sporting disciplines, further strengthening regional sports development and unity.
 Games, Edo 2026.){kind=link}