Mrs. Sabina Chikere celebrates Edo’s sportsmen and women on christmas day

...Showers praises DG NIS, Comrade Phillips Shaibu

...Commends Chairman Edo State Sports Commission, Honourable Enabulele

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Ekhaisomi Chikere, has sent warm Christmas felicitations to Christians in Edo State, Nigeria and the rest of the world describing this season as the time joy, happiness and laughter.

She extended this heartfelt greetings during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye.

In her Christmas message, Mrs. Chikere saluted athletes, coaches and sports administrators who continue to raise the nation’s flag high through commitment, sacrifice and excellence, noting that the values of Christmas align perfectly with the spirit of sports.

“Christmas is a season that celebrates perseverance, sacrifice and victory — values our sportsmen and women live out daily. I celebrate every athlete who trains in silence, competes with honour and inspires our youth through hard work and determination. You are the heartbeat of sports development.”

She encouraged athletes to see the season as a moment of reflection and renewal, urging them to remain focused, disciplined and hopeful as they prepare for greater challenges and opportunities in the coming year.

Mrs. Chikere also heaped glowing praises on Comrade Phillips Shaibu, Director General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), a man of selfless devotion and dedication to sports in Nigeria, commending his unwavering commitment to sports education, athlete development and institutional reforms in Nigeria.

“Comrade Phillips Shaibu has continued to demonstrate visionary leadership at the National Institute of Sports. His passion for empowering sports professionals, strengthening capacity building and repositioning Nigerian sports is worthy of commendation. He remains a strong pillar in the quest to build sustainable sports development structures.”

She emphasized that the synergy between sports institutions and administrators is crucial to nurturing athletes and ensuring long-term growth of the sector, adding that such leadership inspires confidence among sportsmen and women nationwide.

She further called on stakeholders to use the Christmas season to reinforce unity, mentorship and support for athletes, especially at the grassroots level, stressing that investment in sports is an investment in youth development, peace and national pride.

She went on to commend the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), Honourable Amadin Enabulele.

As she concluded, Mrs. Chikere wished Christians a peaceful Christmas and prayed for renewed strength, protection and success for all sportsmen and women.

“May this season recharge your spirit, strengthen your resolve and prepare you for greater victories ahead,” she said. “Merry Christmas, and may the coming year bring new records, new opportunities and greater glory for our athletes and our nation.”

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