Edo State is set to host the South South Zonal Headquarters of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), a development Governor Monday Okpebholo has described as a major milestone for grassroots sports growth and youth development in the region.
Governor Okpebholo made this known on Wednesday when he received the Director General of the NIS and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, and his team on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Benin City.
The visit came shortly after the Governor inaugurated two key state bodies, the Edo State Judicial Service Commission and the Governing Council of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen.
Welcoming the NIS delegation, Governor Okpebholo praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strong commitment to youth and sports development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the decision to site the zonal headquarters in Edo as a “timely and strategic step.”
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The governor said, “Let me welcome the son of the soil to his hometown and his entire team.
“When you were announced as Director General, I said thank God, the President is very wise. Even as a Deputy Governor, you were practically in charge of Bendel Insurance and remained active even after leaving office. That shows your passion and dedication.”
Governor Okpebholo expressed delight over the decision to establish the NIS South-South Zonal Headquarters in Edo, saying it would further position the state as a hub for sports development in Nigeria.
He said: “I want to congratulate Edo people for the zonal office that is coming to our state.
“Even if you were not the DG of NIS, I know you would still have fought for it. Your coming gives us hope that sports will be revived again from the grassroots. I also thank Mr. President for his bold decision to make sports a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Truly, it is working.”
He urged the NIS to take its programmes down to the grassroots, particularly in primary and secondary schools, to discover and nurture new sporting talents.
Earlier, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu congratulated Governor Okpebholo on his one-year anniversary in office and commended his developmental strides, including the revival of the New Edo Line and ongoing infrastructural projects across the state.
Shaibu said, “As an indigene and former deputy governor, I am proud of what you have achieved within a short period.
“We are here to officially present the NIS 10-year working plan and to announce Edo State as the host of the South-South Zonal Headquarters of the National Institute for Sports.”
He explained that the zonal structure aims to decentralize sports training and manpower development across Nigeria, adding that Edo will serve as the training hub for coaches, administrators, and elite athletes in the South-South region.
He said: “Similar zonal offices are being established in Enugu for the South-East, Kaduna for the North-West, Adamawa for the North-East, and Plateau for the North-Central
He said: “Under President Tinubu, we’ve hosted several international events and the President has strengthened the reward system for athletes. The president has redefined sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment and national development.”
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo inaugurated the Edo State Judicial Service Commission and the Governing Council of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, charging members to uphold integrity and diligence in service to the state.
The Governor said: “I congratulate the just-inaugurated members and at the same time let you know that this is a call to duty.”
“Edo people are watching. It is one thing to come into government, and it’s another to serve the people diligently. So, I urge you to serve Edo people diligently.”
The Governing Council of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen is chaired by Hon. Samuel Oboh, with Dr. Abdul Wasiu Oyakhire, Isibor Philips Isa Osaremen, Igbinadolor Patience Osamede, Louis Amienwan Okojie, Dr. Anthony Oyase Atogwe, and Doris Braimah as members.
Members of the Edo State Judicial Service Commission include Hon. Felix Imoisili, Esq, Prof. David Osarumwense Osifo, Omozogie Martin Ighekpe, and Hon. Usman Dauda.
Speaking on behalf of both committees, Hon. Felix Imoisili, Esq, thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them, promising to contribute meaningfully to Edo’s progress.
He said: “Out of a population of over four million people, we have been nominated and appointed to serve under your government.
“We assure you that we will work with you to move Edo beyond its current level. We appreciate you very profoundly for this privilege.”
The day’s events were attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and other top government officials.
*Signed*:
*Fred Itua*,
*The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.*
*Wednesday, 05 November, 2025*.
