The Edo State Sports Commission has inaugurated a Mixed Martial Arts Association board, with a charge to its members to secure sponsorships and build partnerships to prepare the state’s athletes for the 23rd National Sports Festival in Enugu.
Commission Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, gave the charge at the inauguration of the board, which is led by Barr. Douglas Ogbankwa. He said collective responsibility, commitment and collaboration would be critical to the growth of mixed martial arts in Edo State.
Enabulele, who was represented by the Commission’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Patricia Agharese Efe Amenze, urged board members to contribute financially and to attract corporate sponsors to support competitions, training programmes and other developmental initiatives
“Sports development is capital-intensive. Therefore, I call on board members to work closely with athletes, coaches and association officials to ensure the successful implementation of our plans and programmes in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s sports development agenda,” he said.
He expressed optimism that Edo State could win at least 15 gold medals in mixed martial arts at the festival, “provided there is adequate preparation and the necessary support from the board.”
Enabulele also urged members to work together as a united family, noting that cooperation among board members, athletes and coaches would be essential to positioning the state for success at national competitions.
Responding on behalf of the board, Ogbankwa described his appointment, and those of his members, as a privilege and an opportunity to contribute to sports development in the state.
Quoting former United States President John F. Kennedy, he said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” He added that accepting the responsibility to lead the association showed his willingness to give back to the society.
Ogbankwa assured the Commission’s leadership that the board would work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in its members. He promised initiatives to promote the sport and improve the performance of Edo athletes, and also pledged that the board would embrace teamwork, strengthen the association’s structures and work to make the Edo association one of the best in Nigeria.
The high point of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of office on the new board members.