BENIN: Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has rewarded Team Edo athletes with ₦10 million following their remarkable performance at the 9th National Youth Games 2025 in Asaba, Delta State, where the state finished third overall.
Team Edo secured an impressive 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals, bringing their total haul to 79 medals — the state’s best-ever outing at the youth competition.
Welcoming the victorious athletes and officials at Government House, Benin City, Governor Okpebholo, who was joined by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, said the achievement had brought pride and honour to Edo State.
“This is an impressive achievement, but I challenge you to aim higher and work harder to claim first place in the next edition. Edo deserves first position, and with discipline and determination, we will get there,” the Governor said.
Okpebholo assured that his administration would continue to invest in sports development and create more opportunities for young athletes to excel, noting that the cash reward was meant to further motivate the team.
Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the outing as historic, attributing the success to the governor’s commitment to athletes’ welfare and sports infrastructure.
“For the first time, Team Edo returned with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals, an unprecedented feat in the history of our participation in the National Youth Games. The motivation came from the Governor’s support and prioritization of athletes’ wellbeing,” Enabulele said.
He presented the second runner-up trophy to Governor Okpebholo and expressed confidence that with continued government backing, Edo athletes would soon dominate the competition nationwide.
The National Youth Games 2025 in Asaba featured participation from states across Nigeria. Team Edo emerged as one of the top-performing contingents, reinforcing the state’s position as a rising powerhouse in Nigerian sports.
