Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has declared the Edo State Sports Festival open at the main bowl of the University of Benin Sport Complex.
In his speech, the Governor urged all the athletes in the competition to display the spirit of sportsmanship and shun all forms of cheating.
Governor Obaseki said the event will be used as  a platform to prepare for the 20th edition of the National sports  Festival to be hosted by the state.
He promised to add the sports festival to the official sporting calendar of the State Government.
He said, Â “We as a government will be devoted to sports because of our love for the youths of Edo State. This sports festival will now be part of the official sporting calendar of the Edo State Government.” He promised.
At the ceremony were match past by contingents from the 18 local government areas, cultural display and other side attractions.
Present at the ceremony were the Hon. Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami, Chairmen of some Local Government Areas and other top officials of the Edo state government.
Highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the Unity Torch by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philips Shuaibu. The symbolic Torch had earlier been taking round the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
By Besiru Enakhimion.
