As preparations for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival intensify, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, on Friday led the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, on a comprehensive inspection tour of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele disclosed that the inspection covered critical sections of the stadium complex, including the athletics tracks, main pitch, tennis courts, spectator stands, and other key infrastructure essential to the successful hosting of the regional sporting event.
“I personally conducted our former Governor round the iconic arena, showcasing the ongoing upgrades and sustained maintenance efforts aimed at delivering a seamless and world-class Niger Delta Sports Festival,” Enabulele stated.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Edo State Sports Commission to ensuring a successful and memorable festival, stressing that collaboration with stakeholders, athlete welfare, efficient logistics coordination, and technical preparedness remain top priorities.
“With its modern tartan tracks, lush green turf, impressive seating capacity, and well-structured operational framework, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is fully prepared to host athletes from across the Niger Delta region,” Enabulele asserted.
“For Edo State, the Niger Delta Sports Festival goes beyond competition, it represents unity, youth empowerment, and regional advancement through sports,” he added.
During the inspection, Shaibu expressed satisfaction with the state of the facilities, describing the stadium as one of the finest sporting arenas in Nigeria.
Shaibu commended Edo State Government and the Sports Commission for sustaining high standards and ensuring the infrastructure remains competition-ready.
The delegation also assessed the tennis courts, VIP stands, covered terraces, security arrangements, and athlete access routes as part of final readiness checks ahead of the festival.
Speaking at the end of the tour, the NIS Director General emphasized the importance of maintaining sports infrastructure to meet national and international standards, noting that Edo State has once again demonstrated leadership in sports development.
Under the leadership of Hon. Enabulele, Edo State is poised not only to host the Niger Delta Sports Festival successfully but also to set a new benchmark for sporting excellence in Nigeria.
