Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed his desire to groom talents that would be discovered at the ongoing 3rd edition of Kada Unity Cup for the military and paramilitary football clubs.

Represented at the opening ceremony of this year’s edition by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor said that talents to be discovered would be nurtured and recruited into the state owned Bendel Insurance FC

The governor noted that his administration has repositioned the sporting sectors of the state through the state’s sports commission.

According to him, empowering youths of the state through sporting activities has been central to his government.

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“The commission has a clear mandate to return sports development to the grassroots through talent discovery and nurturing across all sporting disciplines.

“The aim is not only to groom them to stardom, but also as a fight against social vices as well as a form of empowerment.

“Similarly, the repositioning has placed that state firmly on the path to reclaiming its glory days of sporting excellence,” he stated.

Speaking on the tournament, Okpebholo said the 2026 edition which featured 12 teams, was more than a sporting competition.

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“It is a celebration of unity, collaboration, discipline, and sportsmanship—values that define the essence of our military and paramilitary institutions which remain vital to the peace, security, and development of our society.

“The essence of Edo State Government being here is to harness some of the talents here and utilise the same for the good of the state,” he asserted.

While urging the participating to embrace team work as a cornerstone to their success, he also tasked the teams on resilience, corporation, and coordination.

He asserted that these attributes
are the very qualities required to confront and overcome the challenges facing our communities and our nation at large.

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“Your participation also promotes physical fitness, mental wellness, and inter-agency synergy, all of which are essential to your professional duties,” he said.

Okpebholo commended the former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion for his foresight in initiating the tournament to support military and paramilitary agencies.

Among the dignitaries present are the state Sports Commission’s chairman, Amadin Enabulele.

The 2026 edition of the Kada Unity Cup which kicked off on Monday in Benin, would have its final played on February 12th.