Edo’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Sunday in Benin assured that ongoing re-engineering of the sports sector would bring about massive economic development through wealth-creation in the state.
Shaibu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the state government, having realised that sports was a veritable tool for unity and social economic growth, had quickly moved into action.
This was by amending the relevant laws and creating a commission in order to get the desired result.
“First, the governor made sports one of the pillars of the things we need to achieve and bring back working for the state.
“Also, Gov. Godwin Obaseki also ensured that everything that will make our young ones become engaged and involved in sports are provided, because it is one of the many reasons the Governor is desirous of reforming the sector.
“They are the number one people you engage in sports, whether directly or indirectly, in the sector, especially, those indirectly engaged.
“The transactions that follow in engaging these young ones and the multiplying effects on the economy are huge.
“So, we are trying to use it to create wealth, improve physical well-being and also douse tension by ensuring very hard working people stay calm and relaxed.
“Because when they watch the games, they are emotionally and physically relaxed.
“And that investment they make through the buying of tickets, including one or two movements, help to grow our economy and people are gainfully employed.
“So, for us, we have made it one of the pillars that will help us grow our economy”
The deputy governor also pointed out that the governor has consistently said that his administration was keen on restoring Edo’s past glory in sports.
“Edo had been number one in everything before, whether football, athletics and all the other sports activities, including in the production of coaches and referees.
“Edo stood tall in sports in the past. But, for sometime now, it’s like Edo went on recess.
“However, as Gov. Obaseki has consistently said, we must now make sports the pillar.
“We want to bring back sports and make Edo the hub that it used to be.
“In doing that, he (Obaseki) asked that I should oversee the sector, being a sports man. I and the other members of our group have since coming on board hit the ground running,” he said.
“We first discovered that we needed to amend the laws to create a Sports Commission, which we did.
“As part of the sports renaissance process, the Commission has adopted a strategy on how our ageing athletes and young ones can be blended into the system to achieve the utmost results.”
Shaibu disclosed that the Obaseki administration was now taking a holistic approach to tackling the issue.
“We are bringing back the state sports festival, where all games would be featured.
“We are rebuilding the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and building all the sports facilities for events.
“Already we have four courts and a brand new single one for finals and all are within the scope of the complete renovation of the stadium.
“And when we say we are renovating, it’s not just the fields and tracks, we are renovating everything about the stadium.
“We succeeded in making sure the state-owned Bendel Insurance Football Club was rescued, rebranded and gained promotion to the elite division, just like with the other sports where we have become very active and alive.
“Now,we intend to have a complete brand new style of hosting sports festivals in 2020.
“This is because Edo is going to make a name and will set a benchmark for others,” he said.(NAN)
