Gov. Obaseki will revive sports in Edo—Amanokha

Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties, Mika Amanokha, has given the people of the state assurance that the present administration will do all in its power to ensure that the state returns to its hitherto pride of place in the sporting arena.

Amanokha gave the assurance in an exclusive interview with Extra Time in his office.

The commissioner averred that the Gov. Godwin Obaseki-led administration is very conscious of putting the state in the top spot of sports.

“Right before he constituted his cabinet, Governor Godwin Neghoghase Obaseki conducted a sports seminar where experts from all over the country and even in the diaspora contributed their input on the way forward for sports in the state.

“The various contributions will form the template on how the state can regain its prime position in sports.

“We are ready to face the assignment headlong to achieve the desired success, nothing will set us back.

“The sports commission is yet to be constituted, but we have an assurance that when it comes on board it will not be found wanting.

“We’re assuring sports-loving Edo people! Our hands are on the plough and we can never turn back.

“We’re aware of the role of sports in the scheme of things. Moreover, the state is blessed with a retinue of top class sportsmen/women.

“Apart from its social value, sports also have its economic value, all of which we’ll tap on to as we go on,” he stated.

On the state owned Bendel Insurance FC, the commissioner stated that Governor Obaseki and his deputy are the number one fans of the soccer outfit “and we are confident that the players and officials of the club will tap in on this initiative to make all of us proud.”

He promised that the state will mobilise all its materials and resources to ensure that it comes out tops in the forthcoming National Sports Festival.

ISAAC OLAMIKAN