As Edo State perfects preparations to host the Commonwealth and World Athletics Trials, the State
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon
Comrade Philip Shaibu has restated the readiness and commitment of the government and people of Edo State to showcase its world-class facilities for a successful hosting of the Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Championships Trials being organised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria(AFN)
Shaibu in a statement he personally signed, affirmed that the state has the capacity to host a befitting trials which starts tomorrow through Sunday.
He said: ” The Government and good People of Edo State, the heartbeat of Nigeria, are profoundly delighted to welcome athletes and officials from around the globe to the Commonwealth and World Athletics Trials, being hosted by Edo State, South-South Nigeria.
“For us, this event billed to last for three days(23rd – 25th June,2022), in the ancient City of Benin is very historic, as Edo is hosting the trials for the first time, in the history of the competition.
“It is heartwarming and gratifying to know that 400 athletes and 100 officials from Europe, USA, Canada and Africa will converge on Edo for the inter-continental competition”.
For the records, Edo State with its state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, is renowned as the home of sports in Nigeria.
” As a responsible Government and hospitable people, we shall not take for granted the convergence of our highly esteemed guests on the ancient City of Benin,” Shaibu further said.
The championship will serve as selection trials for the World Athletics Championship scheduled for Oregon, USA in July and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom in August.
“We also warmly welcome Solomon Ogba, former President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and currently the Vice President, Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC), Tony Okowa, President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria and other dignitaries.
“Finally, Edo is excited and proud to have a galaxy of the best world athletes and their officials on its fertile soil,” he noted.