The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations at the Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development during a courtesy visit from Ogbe Senior Secondary School, the reigning champions of the Edo Principal’s Cup and the Governor’s Cup.
The delegation, led by the school’s principal, Mrs. Augustina Itohanmwen, visited Chikere at her office in Benin City on Friday to express their appreciation for her continuous support—particularly as the patroness of the Blue House during their recent inter-house sports event.
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Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Itohanmwen praised Chikere for her steadfast encouragement and personal involvement in the school’s sports initiatives. “When we wanted to organize our inter-house sports, Mrs. Chikere didn’t just offer financial support—she also guided us in naming VIPs as house patrons and took on the role of Patroness of Blue House,” she said. “She spent the whole day with the students, motivating and cheering them on. Your support means the world to us.”
Also present during the visit were the school’s Head of Sports, Mr. Harrison Ogwu, other staff members, and the captain of the school’s football team. The group presented the trophies recently won at the state-level competitions to Chikere in recognition of her role in their success.
Ogbe Senior Secondary School clinched both the Edo State Principal’s Cup and the Governor’s Cup, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
In response, Mrs. Chikere expressed pride in the school’s achievements and commended the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for donating a brand-new Hiace bus to the school in recognition of their outstanding performance.
“I am very excited and happy that the hard work of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is paying off,” Chikere stated. “Through the Edo State Sports Commission, we will continue to encourage and invest in young talents across the state.”
Chikere further emphasized the importance of combining academics with sports to ensure well-rounded development. “The life span of a sportsman is short. That’s why we are focused on pairing education with athletics—so our young stars have something solid to fall back on,” she explained.
She also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to long-term sports development. “Our goal is to turn Edo State into a hub for sports, not just in Nigeria, but internationally. We are working to build a sporting empire where young talents can grow and thrive.”
The visit concluded with renewed optimism for continued collaboration between schools and the state’s sports commission to strengthen the foundation of sports at the grassroots level.
