The Director of Operations and Sports Development at the Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere has heaped praises on the commission chairman, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele for his leadership acumen and vision centred on discovering and nurturing real talents as the commission embarks on the maiden edition of the “Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars” program coming up on May 21.
A total of 270 athletes from 20 selected schools will participate in the talent discovery event, with 10 athletes of mixed gender representing each school in different sporting events.
The competition will cut across eight sports, including athletics, judo, karate, kung fu, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, and kickboxing.
The “Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars” initiative is a carefully thought-out strategy to be deployed by the Commission to unearth fresh talents capable of representing Edo State and Nigeria in future national and international competitions.
Sabina while reacting to this initiative, hailed the hon. Amadin for who he is, likening him to the modern Mungo Park of Edo Sports.
“I think if I call him the modern Mungo Park of Edo sports, it’s not out of place. He’s a visionary leader who cares about the development of young people in sports and properly nurturing their potential for the future.”
“This latest program we have come up with is a rare gold mine that will help our coaches to see directly the kids who have that potential they can develop with time.”
“This shows that the chairman is not resting on taking the state to the next stage concerning the emergence of talents and future stars of the country, beyond the state.”
Sabina also charges the coaches to see this as a way of making their job easy, although she said they still have to ensure they do due diligence in bringing to reality the dream of the commission.
“Working smart gives you the edge over your contemporaries and I believe that’s what the chairman is directing everyone towards, so, this should make your job easy as this tournament will push many more out from their hidden places your eyes cannot see.”
“So, please, work smart and ensure that you give them the proper guidelines to give them what we want them to become global icons in sports.”
All participating athletes will be rewarded with certificates of participation as part of efforts to encourage youth involvement in sports and grassroots development.
45 technical officials have also been drafted for the event, including 10 officials for athletics and five officials each for the seven combat sports, to ensure smooth running of the competition.
Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars” is part of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration in Edo State