In a move that signals a progressive shift in the Edo State sports landscape, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has expressed the state government’s full backing for the growth of e-sports, calling it a strategic tool to engage youths and promote innovation.
This commitment came during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Edo State E-Sports Association (ESEA), led by its Chairman, Mr. Daro Dean Bezi, to the Commission’s headquarters in Benin City.
The meeting, which focused on charting a course for the development of e-sports in the state, saw both parties discuss plans for structured competitions, grassroots involvement, and digital literacy through gaming.
Hon. Enabulele described e-sports as “a viable sporting discipline that mirrors the digital reality of today’s youth,” adding that its inclusion in the state’s sports framework would help curb social vices by offering young people meaningful engagement and career paths.
“We are ready to partner with the E-Sports Association to ensure Edo becomes a leading hub for e-sports development in Nigeria,” Enabulele said. “This is more than gaming—it’s about youth empowerment, technology integration, and sports innovation.”
On his part, Mr. Bezi highlighted the association’s mission to build a sustainable e-sports ecosystem in Edo, with a focus on talent discovery, training, and partnerships.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to initiate joint programs aimed at building infrastructure, hosting tournaments, and incorporating e-sports into the broader state sports development agenda.
With this alliance, Edo State takes a bold step toward embracing modern sports trends and leveraging technology to unlock opportunities for its youth population.
