Gov. Okpebholo Rallies Support as Team Edo Leads National Youth Games with Outstanding Medal Haul

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday announced that Team Edo has taken an emphatic early lead at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, with a remarkable tally of 17 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals, comfortably topping the medals table.

This was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, and made available to journalists.

Governor Okpebholo described the feat as a resounding testament to his administration’s deliberate investment in sports development, positioning it as a vital tool for youth empowerment, growth, and social cohesion in Edo State.

The impressive performance of Team Edo is driven by outstanding results in weightlifting, gymnastics, swimming, and karate. Edo’s women weightlifters achieved a historic clean sweep of all nine gold medals, with Favour Cornelius (44kg), Esther Amarachi Chijoke (48kg), and Beauty Akpore (53kg) each claiming three gold medals.

In gymnastics, Wisdom Ikede secured three individual gold medals, while Aliu Solomon and Ocheke Excel contributed a gold and silver medal respectively. Swimming added to the success with Tissa Precious winning two gold medals in the 50m freestyle, and the 4x100m relay team taking silver. Karate also produced glory, as Desmond Izevbuwa Eroirewaen clinched gold in the 50kg male kumite.

According to the governor, beyond the medals, the victory reflects the renewed energy in Edo’s sporting ecosystem, driven by his SHINE Agenda which prioritizes grassroots development, facility upgrades, athlete welfare, and structured training.

He emphasized that Edo State is reclaiming its pride of place as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports, noting that as the Games continue across 37 categories in Asaba, Team Edo is expected to build on this strong momentum.

Governor Okpebholo congratulated all Edo athletes, coaches, and officials for their dedication, assuring them of sustained government support as they proudly fly the Heartbeat State’s flag.

“Edo shines again,” he said, adding that the triumph shows that the seeds sown in the sports sector under his administration are already yielding fruits of glory, unity, and hope.