Enabulele Reaffirms Edo Government’s Commitment to Sports Development as Maiden School Chess League Begins
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting sports development and discovering young talents across the state.
Enabulele gave the assurance during the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Edo State School Chess League tournament, where he was represented by the Executive Director representing Edo South in the Commission, Hon. Baldwin Bazuaye, MON.
Bazuaye, while declaring the competition open, commended the organisers for introducing a tournament he described as the first of its kind in Edo State, noting that such initiatives would help nurture young talents and strengthen the state’s sports sector.
He conveyed Enabulele’s message to participants, expressing the Commission’s excitement over the initiative and assuring athletes that the state government would continue to support programmes that would reposition Edo as a leading sports destination in Nigeria.
“Chess is an international game that can take you to places if you prove yourself. As young chess players, you must show commitment and develop a strong passion for the game. Your interest and dedication will drive you to greater heights,” Bazuaye told the participants.
He urged the athletes to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition before officially declaring the tournament open.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs. Sabina Chikere, applauded the organisers for the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for talent discovery and youth development.
Chikere encouraged young athletes, particularly the girl child, to combine sports with education, stressing that academic development remains important alongside sporting careers.
“We want to encourage you, especially the girl child, because I can see a lot of junior school girls here. As much as you want to do sports, you should marry it together with education. The lifespan of a sportsman or sportswoman is always very short, so do the best you can in whatever field you have chosen,” she said.
She assured the young athletes that the Sports Commission would continue to support and provide opportunities for talented individuals to excel in their chosen sporting fields.
The maiden Edo State School Chess League attracted participation from students representing 18 schools across the state, as young chess players competed for honours in the historic tournament.