Ododo Hails Kogi Athletes, Says Sports Must Unite People Beyond Politics

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Abah
Government House – Lokoja
July 13, 2026

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended the state’s athletes for bringing honour to Kogi through outstanding performances at national and international sporting competitions, declaring that sports remain a powerful instrument for unity, peace and youth development.

Governor Ododo spoke at the Government House in Lokoja on Monday when officials of the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, led by the Commissioner, Hon. Monday Aridojo Anyebe, presented trophies, medals and other laurels won by Team Kogi during recent competitions.

The Governor congratulated the athletes, coaches and officials for making the state proud, describing their achievements as proof that Kogi youths can excel when given the right support and opportunities.
He said the victories recorded by Team Kogi have laid a lasting foundation of unity, togetherness and love that should be preserved irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences.
“You have made Kogi State proud. You have laid a template of unity, togetherness and love that we must continue to build upon. Don’t allow politicians to divide you. Sports is not about politics; sports is about uniting our people and keeping our youths meaningfully engaged,” the Governor said.

Governor Ododo noted that the success of the athletes demonstrated discipline, commitment and teamwork, stressing that his administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive through sports and other productive ventures.

He praised the athletes for passing what he described as a test of determination and resilience, assuring them that the government would continue to support programmes that promote youth empowerment and sporting excellence.

The Governor also commended the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Monday Aridojo Anyebe, for his dedication to repositioning sports in the state, saying the ministry’s efforts are already yielding remarkable results.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Monday Aridojo Anyebe, said the medals represented the resilience, discipline, sacrifice and determination of Kogi athletes who had competed successfully at both national and international levels.
He attributed the achievements to Governor Ododo’s unwavering commitment to youth and sports development, noting that the administration’s investments have inspired young talents across the state to pursue excellence.

According to him, the ministry remains committed to discovering and nurturing sporting talents from every part of Kogi State, including Lokoja, Idah, Okene, Kabba, Ankpa, Yagba and other communities, with the goal of building a sustainable sports development system.

Hon. Anyebe congratulated the athletes for serving as worthy ambassadors of Kogi State and urged them to continue upholding the values of discipline, integrity, patriotism and excellence.

As part of the ceremony, the Governor was decorated with one of the medals won by Team Kogi as a symbolic representation of the more than 30 medals secured by the state’s athletes in various competitions, while the championship trophies were formally presented to him in appreciation of his administration’s support for sports development.