Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, has expressed his profound gratitude to all the athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters across Edo State and beyond over the state’s resounding victory at the just concluded 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games.

Enabulele, who stated this in a solidarity message to all Edo people, both at home and in the diaspora, further declared, “Together, we emerged overall champions at the just concluded 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games, clinching an outstanding 52 gold medals and ending a 24-year trophy drought.

According to him, “My heart is filled with immense gratitude and pride as Team Edo emerges overall champion of the second edition of the Nigerdeltasports festival, right here on our soil in Benin City.

“After 24 long years, we have finally reclaimed our place at the top. With a remarkable total of 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals — 111 medals in all. Our athletes have written a new chapter in the sporting history of Edo State. This victory did not come easy. It was earned through sacrifice, discipline, unity, and an unshakeable belief that we could win.

“First and foremost, I dedicate this historic triumph to our visionary and sports-loving Governor, HE Sen Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.

“From day one, His Excellency made it clear that Edo would not merely host the Niger Delta Games — we would host and win.

“He provided the leadership, the support, and the enabling environment that empowered our athletes and coaches to prepare adequately and compete confidently.

“The improved welfare packages, strategic investments in facilities, and deliberate focus on youth development through sports laid the solid foundation for this success.

“Breaking a 24-year jinx is not accidental. It is the product of intentional leadership and collective commitment. His Excellency believes deeply in the power of sports to transform lives, and today, that belief has translated into gold medals, statewide pride, and renewed hope for our young people.

“To our athletes: you are true ambassadors of Edo State. You competed with courage, unity, and determination.

“You carried the hopes of millions and delivered beyond expectations. I am immensely proud of your resilience and fighting spirit.

To our coaches, technical crew, and support staff: your dedication behind the scenes made this possible. Your discipline, strategic planning, and relentless encouragement strengthened our team throughout the competition.

This Games was more than a contest for medals. It was a celebration of unity among the nine Niger Delta states, a gathering of over 3,000 athletes competing across 17 sports, and a powerful reminder that sports remain a vehicle for peace, development, and youth empowerment. I also commend the Niger Delta Development Commission for sponsoring and supporting this laudable initiative.

“As Delta finished second and Bayelsa third in a fiercely competitive medal race that went down to the final day, it is clear that the Niger Delta is blessed with immense sporting talent. But today, Edo stands tall.

“However, we will not rest on this achievement. This victory is not the destination — it is the beginning of a new era.

“We are committed to building sustainable systems that will ensure Edo remains a dominant regionally and nationally. Edo is back.
Edo is stronger. Edo is champion”, he declared.