Benin- Godwin Obaseki, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Sept. 28, Governorship Election in Edo, says grassroots sports development will be accorded a priority if elected.
Obaseki told staff of the state Ministry of Sports at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, on Saturday that his administration, if elected, would attract private sector participation into sports development.
“In order to develop the sports sector, if elected, I will attract investment to sports, through the private sector,’’ he said.
Obaseki promised to construct sports centres across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The APC candidate also promised to revive school sports to harness new talents that would be nurtured to represent the state and the nation.
He said that state football league would be revived in the state.
Obaseki said:“ All these are to ensure that Edo occupies its rightful position in the league of sporting states in Nigeria, and not operate from behind.
“All sporting associations will be encouraged financially for the development of games under their watch.
“We also plan to discover and monitor raw talents, through the revival of school sports in the state, as well as construct modern sporting facilities in all the council areas of the state.
“Through good governance, we are going to bring in private sector investment in sports, while we will ensure adequate training for our coaches in modern techniques in their respective sports,’’ Obaseki said.
Frank Ebewele, who spoke on behalf of members of staff of the state sports council, pledged their support for the APC candidate at the election.
“Sport is in dire need of proper funding in Edo, and as a technocrat, the APC candidate has assured that he will turn sports around for the better in the state.
“Aside the issue of training and retraining of coaches, as well as inadequate sport facilities, there is also the need to provide means of mobility for the various sports associations,’’ Ebewele said.
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