BENIN CITY – In a bid to enhance talent identification and further develop the Catch Them Young program initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has engaged key stakeholders in discussions.
Among those in attendance were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the Permanent Secretary of the ESSC, Mrs. Efe Amenze, the Director of School Support Services, and representatives from the School Sports Foundation and Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd. The discussions centered on the successful planning and execution of the upcoming 2025 Governor's Cup.
The rescheduling of the tournament became necessary due to the Edo State Sports Festival, which is scheduled for April 22 to May 1, 2025, as well as the National Sports Festival, set to take place from May 16 to 30, 2025. Consequently, the new dates for the Governor’s Cup have been adjusted to April 28 to May 14, 2025.
Hon. Enabulele emphasized the crucial role of grassroots sports in identifying and nurturing young talents who will represent Edo State in national and international competitions.
"It is essential to organize this event to help maintain our position as a sports powerhouse in the country," he stated.
He further noted, "With the 2025 Governor's Cup approaching, we are confident that many promising talents will be identified and nurtured to elevate sports in Edo. Senator Monday Okpebholo is deeply committed to sports development, and these untapped talents will play a significant role in our state's future success."
The School Sports Foundation will oversee the organization of the 2025 Governor’s Cup, while Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd. will sponsor the event. The ESSC, Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders will collaborate to ensure a successful tournament.
Participation in the 2025 Governor's Cup is open to public and selected private schools. The competition will feature Under-16 students from JSS 1, JSS 2, SS1, and SS2. Schools’ Game Masters will oversee the initial rounds at the school level, while zonal eliminations are scheduled for March 10–14, 2025.
In line with Governor Okpebholo's vision for sports development in Edo, the Ministry of Education will notify all schools and Game Masters to prepare for the tournament, ensuring that the Governor’s Cup proceeds smoothly without disrupting academic activities.
Mr. Ikoghode Abudukadiri, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and serving as the Director of School Support Services, also expressed strong support for the initiative.
Other attendees included representatives from the School Sports Foundation, Mr. Kule and Mr. Victor, as well as Mr. Adedapo and Mr. Yomi from Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd.
Source: Edoko Wilson Edoko