By Precious Okwueze
Accomplished editor and correspondent, Edward Omoruyi Oseghe, has been honoured as one of the distinguished award recipients at the 8th Edo Heritage Sports Festival and Carnival 2025, following the grand finale and awards ceremony held on Friday, December 12, in Benin City, Edo State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the festival convenor, Pastor Princess Omoyemwen Adeyinka-Afolabi, said the Paraclete Awards were instituted to recognise individuals whose contributions continue to motivate and uplift young people through culture, sports and positive values.
“Your example lights the path for the next generation,” she said.
The honour marks a significant milestone in Oseghe’s journalism career, recognising years of dedication to authentic sports storytelling and the promotion of Edo athletes on national and international platforms. Renowned for his accuracy, insightful analysis and passion for grassroots sports development, Oseghe has earned a reputation as one of Edo State’s most consistent and credible sports media voices.
Through his work with The Nigeria Observer, News Source Media and Publishing (publishers of Nigeria News Source), and Grand Delta Communications Network (publishers of Grandnews Online), Oseghe has consistently spotlighted grassroots talents, local competitions and emerging stars who now shape Nigeria’s sports landscape. Colleagues describe him as a committed professional whose reporting bridges the gap between athletes and the public, while inspiring a new generation of sports journalists.
Organisers noted that the award recognises not only his media contributions but also his role in strengthening community engagement through sports. “Edward represents the spirit of excellence we seek to celebrate—individuals who work behind the scenes to build and sustain the sports culture we are proud of,” they said.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including Dr. Theodore Ehannire, Edo State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority; Mrs. Sabina Chikere, Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission; Hon. Lucky Agazuma A., Director-General, Edo State Migration Agency; and Rivers Angels Head Coach and sports advocate, Tosan Blackson, among others. They commended the award recipients for their contributions to the advancement of sports and cultural heritage in the state.
Reacting to the honour, Oseghe expressed gratitude to the organisers, noting that the recognition would further motivate him to continue telling impactful stories that promote Edo athletes and strengthen the sporting community.
The Edo Heritage Sports Festival and Carnival remains one of the state’s flagship platforms for celebrating excellence, culture, talent discovery and community development. The five-day cultural and sporting fiesta, which began on December 8, celebrates Edo’s pride, identity, resilience, unity and sporting spirit.
With the theme “Reviving Our Roots, Celebrating Our Strength,” this year’s edition reaffirmed the festival’s mission to reconnect Edo indigenes at home and in the diaspora with their cultural heritage, while promoting peace, fitness, creativity and youth empowerment.
Activities at the festival included the Cultural Carnival Parade, Traditional Wrestling, 5-Aside Football Tournament and Tug of War, alongside a Trade Fair and Exhibition, free skills acquisition programmes for youths and women, and daily live band performances showcasing Edo’s finest artists.
The grand finale and awards night culminated in the recognition of outstanding individuals, cultural icons and organisations for their contributions to the preservation and promotion of Edo heritage, sports and community development.
