Edo unveils 2026 sports devt plan, sets targets ahead of Niger Delta, Enugu games
The Edo Sports Commission, has unveiled an ambitious 2026 Sports Development Programme ahead of the Niger Delta Games and the National Sports Festival in Enugu.
The plan sets a new tone of discipline, professionalism and high performance as the state prepares for the national and regional sport events.
Rolling out the programme during an interaction with coaches, athletes and sports administrators in Benin, the Chairman of the commission, Amadin Enabulele, said the session was designed to review past performances.
He added that the engagement would also gather feedback and reset standards across the state’s sports ecosystem.
According to him, the 2026 roadmap introduces a series of competitive events scheduled to begin in March.
These include the Okpebholo Athletes’ Meet, the National Para Games, as well as several racket and ball game competitions, all culminating in the Edo Sports Festival, tentatively slated for September.
Enabulele added that special initiatives were being developed to deliberately boost female participation in sports through targeted programmes and competitive platforms.
He stressed that the new direction marked an end to the tolerance for mediocrity, noting that strict, performance-driven policies would now guide the progression of both coaches and athletes.
“The era of excuses is over. Advancement will be based on discipline, quality work and measurable results. Edo State must compete with purpose and excellence,” the chairman said.
He disclosed that the commission was introducing structured capacity-building programmes for coaches, including specialised training designed to align them with modern coaching techniques and global best practices.
On teamwork and discipline, Enabulele warned against internal rivalry and lack of cooperation, particularly among assistant coaches, describing such conduct as detrimental to success.
He insisted that professionalism and unity of purpose must define relationships within the sports system.
“Indiscipline will not be tolerated. Coaches must lead by example and work as a team. Success is collective, and a toxic environment will only undermine our goals,” he cautioned.
Looking ahead to major competitions, Enabulele said Edo had intensified preparations for the Niger Delta Games, which the state would host in February.
He revealed that Gov. Monday Okpebholo had given a clear directive for Edo to not only host successfully but also emerge overall winners.
“We are hosting and competing in 16 sports. The mandate from His Excellency is clear — Edo must win.
“All hands must be on deck,” he said, adding that preparations were also underway for the National Sports Festival in Enugu later in the year.
NAN
