By Obaseki Anthony on February 12, 2020

The much-awaited third edition of the Edo State Sports Festival kicked off yesterday with the Opening Ceremony at the University of Benin Sports Complex amidst pomp and pageantry. It was declared open by Governor Godwin Obaseki amidst enchanting performances by cultural troupes, musical performances and match past by all the participating 18 local government areas of the state.

The capacity full stadium had in attendance all the 18 Local Government Chairmen and their athletes who celebrated their rich traditional culture. Apart from Governor Obaseki, the Special Guest of Honour, other dignitaries in attendance included Minister of Youth & Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, and his entourage; Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Barrister Godwin Dudu-Orumen; lawmakers led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Okiye, and the host, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami.

In his opening remarks Governor Obaseki thanked the Organising Committee for a good job so far and promised to make the State Sports Festival an annual event going forward. He further pledged a prize money of N5m for the winner of the 3rd State Sports Festival. The second will get N3m, while the third will receive N1m.

One of the highlights of the event was the lighting of the Game’s Touch of Unity by the Deputy Governor after its tour of all the 18 local government areas of the state.

The event will feature all the 32 sports in the state and run from yesterday, Tuesday, to Saturday, February 11 to 15, in different centre across Benin City.

•PHOTO: Governor Obaseki receiving festival Torch of Unity

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 12, 2020

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