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Tag Gov. Godwin Obaseki

  • Mar, Wed, 2020
Sport

Skysport names Obaseki 2020 Sports Governor of the Year

 

Obaseki

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, March 18, 2020 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has been named the 2020 Skysport Governor of the Year for the giant stride recorded in sports development in the state and beyond.

Moses Ebahor, Chairman, organising Committee/Managing Consultant Skysport Media Award 2020, said at a news briefing in Abuja.

Ebahor said that the award would be bestowed on the governor on March 25 at the forthcoming Skysport re-launch in Benin City, Edo.

He explained that the governor was considered for the award because of the total transformation of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in preparation for the National Sports Festival (NSF) which had now been postponed due to coronavirus scare.

“When you look at what other governors did in 2019, you will agree with me that he is standing tall with the renovation of that massive infrastructure for use in Edo and the nation at large,” he said

He noted that the award earlier planned to coincide with the 20th edition of the NSF would still hold in spite of the postponement of the sports fiesta.

“The event will be one of the best in Nigeria as the Award is to honour personalities in sports administration, Athletes, Coaches and corporate organisations who have contributed to sports development in the state and Nigeria at large.

“Notable personalities to be honoured at the event include Gov. Obaseki, as the sports governor of the Year and Ned Nwoko, President Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation, as the sportsman of the year.

“Others are Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sport Development as sports Icon of the Year, while Mr Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor of Edo, as Best Deputy Governor on Sports of the Year.

“Sunday Dare has done well in terms of sports development and administration and for Ned Nwoko, he built a magnificent sports centre at the Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma,” Ebahor said.

According to him, the likes of Habu Gumel, President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tony Okowa, Executive Chairman Delta State Sport Commission and Tajudeen Disu, who is the Executive Chairman Surulere Local Government Area, will also be honoured.

He added that Mr Vincent Okumagba, President Super Eagles Supporters Club of Nigeria and others were chosen for the award because of their contributions to sports development, provision of sports infrastructure and talents discovery in the country.

Joseph Cole, an ex-international who is a member of the award committee said guests were invited from within and outside the country to grace the occasion in Benin City on March 25.

Cole who played for Maccabi Haifa FC in Israel, Ranger International FC of Enugu, Dolphins as well as Sharks FC of Port Harcourt said that Delta State Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, would also be honoured for hosting a successful Athletics championship.

“At the same time, Gov. Okowa has been encouraging the Super Eagles in successfully executing their matches,” Cole said.

Daniel Ishiekwene, Proprietor, Olympic Hybrid, an Abuja based football club, said that the country would be the hotbed for players and athletes when government began to recognise and appreciate contributions of individuals and groups in sports development. (NAN)

EMAF/MAM/DCU

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Donald Ugwu

 

  • Feb, Wed, 2020
Sport

Gymnasium complex will soon be ready for Edo 2020, Gov. Obaseki assures

Gymnasium
By Joy Odigie
Benin, Feb. 26, 2020 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Wednesday assured that renovation work at the gymnasium hall at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Complex in Benin would be completed soon.

The governor gave the assurance after an inspection tour of facilities at the stadium complex ahead of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Edo 2020″.

“I have been assured by the contractor that the gymnasium hall will be ready very soon because all the materials are already here.”

He also said the lawn tennis courts, swimming pool, power and security system for the games, as well as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) facilities, were ready.

Obaseki assured further that parking spaces for non-Games vehicles would not be too far from the stadium as traffic would be properly managed around the stadium.

The governor also said that Edo athletes would be moving into camp in a week’s time while accommodation had been secured for visiting athletes.

“No fewer than 3,000 hotel rooms are available on commercial basis for the games. The owners of hostels of educational institutions and hotels around the Benin metropolis have been very  supportive in this regard,’’ he said.(NAN)
OOJ/KOLE/OLAL
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(Edited by Remi Koleoso and Olawale Alabi)

  • Feb, Fri, 2020
Sport

Gov. Obaseki flags off countdown to Edo 2020

Countdown

By Joy Odigie

Benin, Feb. 21, 2020 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Friday flagged off the countdown to the 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in Benin, saying the festival would help to unite the entire nation.

Speaking at the countdown and sensitisation rally at the Edo Government House in Benin, the governor pointed out that it was exactly 31 days to the NSF.

“This festival is a festival of unity to unite Nigerians. It is a festival to encourage Nigerian youths and a festival that will take the country to the next level.

“We are here to begin the countdown. For a big event like the NSF, we have to commence the publicity from now.’’

He then commended media houses for the support being given to the Edo government as it prepares to host the festival.

Also speaking, the Edo Deputy  Governor, Philip Shaibu, disclosed that accommodation had been prepared for about 11,500 athletes and officials expected to participate in the game.

Shaibu added that proprietors of hotels across the state had agreed to give a 30 per cent discount for accommodation for the guests and spectators.

“From 10 days to the opening of the game, we will publish the names of the hotels and the prices of the rooms to enable our visitors check and know which one they can afford.’’(NAN)
OOJ/MAM/OLAL
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(Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Edo has capacity to host 2020 National Sports Festival, Gov. Obaseki says

Hosting
By Monday Ajogun
Abuja, Dec. 6, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Thursday said his state would be bidding for the hosting rights as it has the capacity to host the 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF).

Obaseki, while speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 19th NSF in Abuja, said: “My state is more than ready to host the forthcoming festival without encountering any form of challenges.

“It’s high time we regain our lost glory in terms of sports as the state is known for producing great sports men and women.’’

He charged the state’s athletes participating in the ongoing 19th NSF to ensure they do the state proud by winning medals.

Speaking also, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, said his ministry had received two applications from Edo and one other state.

Dalung said his ministry would look at infrastructure before giving the right to the most qualified state.

He said sports and the National Youths Service Corps are ways of uniting the nation, adding that government should ensure that priority were given to these sectors.(NAN)
AJOM/FF/OLAL
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Gov. Obaseki presents kits to Ekhorowa ahead of boxing bout, assures him of support

NAN-S-15
Kits
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, Feb. 28, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Wednesday in Benin donated some kits to Edo-born Alex Ekhorowa ahead of his Global Boxing Federation (GBF) title fight with Lebanese opponent Ali Muhamed.

Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu, presented the kits to the boxer ahead of the GBF international title bout slated for March 24 in Benin.

The governor urged Ekhorowa to ensure he did the state and the entire country proud by defeating his opponent.

“The state government will ensure it supports you to ensure you make the people of this country proud,’’ he said.

Obaseki said government’s financial involvement in sports was so huge that his administration cannot afford to lose its investment.

He said this was because it was aware that investing in sports would help to take the youths off the streets and further enhance the state’s economy.

“To make Edo a business hub as we have promised, we must ensure that sports are given adequate attention.

“The present administration is committed to revamping all sectors, including sports, in the state,’’ the governor said.

Earlier, Ekhorowa had lauded the state government for its contributions in the sports sector.

He disclosed that he was happy with the fact the state government had sent him a goodwill message, assuring that he would make the state proud.(NAN)
AJOM/GOM/OLAL
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(Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam and Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Obaseki charges Falconets on FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup ticket pursuit

NAN-S-19
Ticket
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, Jan. 22, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has charged the national under-20 women football team to ensure they secure victory on Saturday to qualify for the 2018 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu, said on Monday in Benin when he visited the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to watch the team’s training said he was totally supporting them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Falconets are preparing for the Africa Zone Qualification Competition Final Round second leg match against South Africa on Saturday in Benin.

The first leg match played over a week ago had seen the Falconets drawing 1-1 with hosts South Africa.

“I pledge my support, to ensure that Saturday’s match ends in your favour. So, adhere to all your programme during your training sessions so as to ensure you secure qualification,’’ Obaseki said.

He called on all residents of the state to join the players at the stadium by 4 p.m. on Saturday to cheer them to victory.

Responding on behalf of the team, Falconets’ Head Coach, Christopher Danjuma, lauded the Edo State Government for its support for the team since they started playing in Benin.

“I can assure you that we, the players and officials, will do the state proud,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the 2018 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup finals will hold in France in August.(NAN)
AJOM/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)