The newly appointed Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Mobilisation to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for establishing the office, describing the move as a significant commitment to youth development and grassroots sports promotion.

Speaking during the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) 8pm news bulletin on Monday, October 20, Ilaboya said the creation of the office was the first of its kind in the history of Edo State, reflecting the governor’s determination to engage young people productively and discover sporting talents across communities.

“First and foremost, I want to thank His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for creating the office of Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Mobilisation. This singular gesture, the first of its kind in Edo State, shows his love and passion for the development of youths as well as the unearthing of budding talents in every nook and cranny of the state,” Ilaboya said.

He also expressed appreciation to the governor for entrusting him with the responsibility, assuring residents that he would work diligently to revitalise grassroots sports development across the state.

“I equally want to extend my deepest gratitude to him for finding me worthy to drive this project. I want to assure the good people of Edo State that I am equal to the task and will do my very best to restore vibrancy to grassroots sports development in our dear state,” he added.

The former Executive Director of the Edo State Sports Commission and former Chairman of the Edo State Football Association also outlined plans to establish a comprehensive policy framework to translate the governor’s vision for grassroots sports into practical programmes.

According to Ilaboya, the initiative will go beyond talent identification to ensure young people remain productively engaged and are less vulnerable to social vices.

“Beyond talent discovery, the Governor’s vision is to keep our youths productively occupied so that they have little or no time for social vices,” he explained.

He noted that sports could play a vital role in addressing youth-related challenges, including cultism, while providing opportunities for young people to develop their abilities and contribute positively to society.

“Everyone is already praising His Excellency for his pragmatic approach to curbing cultism in Edo State. Sports remains one of the most effective drivers for engaging and keeping young people productively busy,” Ilaboya said.

He disclosed that his office was developing a comprehensive, year-round strategy to sustain youth participation in sports, beginning with consultations with grassroots stakeholders to secure their support and involvement.

The plan also includes a train-the-trainers programme designed to build a network of competent partners capable of driving sports development at the community level.

Ilaboya added that his office would collaborate with the state’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as other relevant agencies focused on youth development, to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.

Governor Okpebholo announced Ilaboya’s appointment on October 9, 2026, in what has been widely viewed as a strategic step towards strengthening grassroots sports and expanding youth engagement across Edo State.