By Edoko Wilson Edoko

Under his “A New Edo is Rising Agenda” incorporating “Project SHINE”, Edo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa’s vision is for a revolution in the sports sector. With Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, on the driver’s seat, the governor’s sports agenda is witnessing a massive turnaround incorporating feats.

Since his appointment, Enabulele has made remarkable strides in transforming the sporting landscape across the state through visionary leadership and dedicated implementation of the governor’s goals for youth development, excellence, and inclusion in sports.

Under his leadership, Bendel Insurance Football Club witnessed an impressive turnaround, moving from 20th to 5th position in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), and becoming strong contenders for continental competitions. This resurgence is credited to strategic funding, improved player welfare, and enhanced technical support.

Enabulele has championed grassroots sports development by initiating programs that identify and nurture young talents through school sports and community engagement. These efforts align closely with Governor Okpebholo’s “Catch Them Young” vision, ensuring that Edo’s next generation of athletes is well-prepared for excellence.

READ ALSO: Priotize Okpebholo’s ‘Catch Them Young’ Initiative, Enabulele Charges Sports Association Chairmen

Under his watch, women’s sports have reached new heights. Edo Queens FC advanced to the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League—a landmark achievement for Nigerian female football. As the team gears up for the Super Six playoffs in Ikenne, Ogun State from May 8 to 17, 2025, and the President Federation Cup Round of 16 clash with Osun babes which Edo Queens FC won 3-0 this weekend. Enabulele’s leadership emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum. A win would crown an already impressive season and reinforce Edo Queens’ status as title contenders and continental trailblazers.

Highlighting, Edo State’s performance at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1 to 9, Team Edo finished 3rd overall with 89 medals—23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze—an outcome he described as “a remarkable outing.”

In recognition of the synergy between education and sports, Enabulele has forged partnerships with schools and educational institutions to promote student engagement in physical activity and competition. The Governor’s Cup, backed by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, is a key initiative aimed at discovering young talent from an early age.

On infrastructure, Enabulele has prioritized upgrading sports facilities to meet international standards. These improvements are vital for effective training and hosting of national and regional competitions that draw widespread participation.

READ ALSO: Enabulele Praises Team Edo for Displaying Resilience, Consistency At Ongoing N’Delta Sports Festival

Enabulele has successfully organized major sporting event, the South-South Zonal Eliminations for the National Sports Festival. This event earned him accolades from national sporting bodies. The National Sports Commission, in particular, commended Edo State’s successful hosting of the Ball Games Zonal Eliminations from February 23 to 28, 2025, noting the transparency, efficiency, and professionalism displayed.

Community engagement has also been a core pillar of his administration. Through outreach efforts, Enabulele has raised public awareness about the role of sports in promoting health, unity, and social development. These efforts have galvanized support for local athletes and enhanced participation across all levels.

Most crucially, Enabulele has established and executed development programs that provide training and mentorship to young athletes, equipping them for competition on local, national, and international stages. His unwavering commitment to talent discovery and capacity building is central to Edo State’s enduring sporting success.

Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele’s leadership reflects the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo for a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic sports sector. His achievements are not only a testament to personal dedication but also to a broader commitment to making Edo State a formidable force in Nigerian and African sports. As he continues to implement the governor’s agenda, the future of sports in Edo State holds great promise.

Edoko Wilson Edoko is a blogger and media aide to the Executive Chairman.