Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, redeemed the N30 million cash pledge he made to Team Edo following their victory at the Niger Delta Games.
The governor fulfilled the promise during a reception held for the athletes and officials at the Government House in Benin City.
Team Edo emerged overall winners of the second edition of the regional sporting event after securing 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, finishing ahead of eight other participating states.
Speaking during the reception, Okpebholo congratulated the athletes, coaches and sports administrators for their dedication and discipline, which helped the state top the medals table.
He said the victory highlighted the huge sporting potential in Edo and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to discovering, nurturing and investing in young talents across the state.
The governor recalled that during the opening ceremony of the competition, he had expressed confidence that Edo would not only host the tournament but also win it.
“Congratulations to Edo State for the victory at the second NDDC Games hosted here. Some of our athletes will go on to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games,” he said.
He added that the state’s performance had justified his earlier confidence in the athletes.
“At the opening ceremony of the NDDC Games Edo 2026, I said Edo State was not just hosting but hosting to win. Today we have done exactly that by defeating other participating states.
“I promised you N30 million if you won, and today you have delivered. We are celebrating because we hosted and we won. You dominated the medals table and made Edo proud,” the governor stated.
Okpebholo stressed that his administration would continue to invest strategically in sports development, noting that the talents discovered during the tournament would be groomed to compete at national and international levels.
He also commended the chairman of the sports committee, Amadin Enabulele, and other officials for their efforts in ensuring the team’s success.
Earlier, Enabulele said the victory was made possible through the governor’s proactive support and early preparation for the competition.
He added that the triumph at the Niger Delta Games marked Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament victory in about 24 years, describing it as a significant milestone in the state’s sporting history.
“We are here today to present the champions’ trophy to the governor and appreciate him for giving us the opportunity to contribute to the development of sports in Edo State,”
