The Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Kayode Alabi and the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Daniel Igali have hailed Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his administration’s investment in the sports sector and rebuilding the Samuel Ogbemudia Sports complex.

Addressing journalists after touring sports facilities in Benin, Alabi described the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as the best in Nigeria.

He commended Governor Obaseki for empowering the people of Edo through sports, noting, “I want to state it categorically clear that Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is the best stadium in Nigeria. I have gone round the Stadium, from the tennis courts to the badminton court, the squash court, the gymnastics hall and swimming pool, all I can say is that the state government invested hugely in the sports sector.

“With the facilities on ground, Edo can host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), African Games and the Olympics.”

“Governor Godwin Obaseki is doing well in the area of engaging the youths through sports and I know in the nearest future, Edo will become a force to reckon with in the sports industry,” Alabi said.

He disclosed that Kwara would study the model of the refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to ensure that his state hosts national competitions in the nearest future.

On his part, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali lauded Obaseki for building world-class sporting facilities across the state.

“I am so proud of the Edo State Government for putting up wonderful facilities across the state in a COVID-19 ravaged society at a time where there were so many restrictions. It is not just here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. I have been to virtually all sporting facilities here. Everywhere I have been to is fantastic.

“Compared to what we have had in the last couple of festivals, this, I think, ranks among some of the best that we have had. I want to on behalf of Bayelsa State, appreciate the government of Edo for putting up such a fantastic tournament.”