By Kehinde Osagiede
As the Edo State Sports Commission begins preparation for their 4th State Sports Festival, the Executive Chairman Hon. Desmond Enabulele and his management board are already in talks with the United Bank For Africa (UBA) on the possibility of securing sponsorship for the sports fiesta.
The Edo state Sports Festival is scheduled to hold from April 21 to May 1, 2025 in Benin City.
Hon. Enabulele officially approached the United Bank For Africa (UBA) on Monday, March 17, 2025 when he led his management team including Executive Directors Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Mr. Baldwin Bazuaye, Mrs. Sabina Chikere on official visit to Mr. Isede Abe Osagie, Regional Manager of UBA at his office in Benin City.
During the meeting Hon. Enabulele told the regional manager that the purpose of their visit was to discuss partnership between the Edo state Sports Commission and UBA, as well as sponsorship for the state Sports festival.
He described UBA as one of the most reliable banks in the country and would be happy to secure partnership with them.
“We are here to seek your commitment in sponsoring the Sports Festival. We need your full support, as this event will help discover and nurture young talents in Edo State,” he said.
He stressed the importance of private partnerships in sports development and how such collaborations can drive the process of growth and sustainable development in the sector.
The Edo Sports Commission boss added that his board will explore all avenues for partnership with corporate organizations in the state in their quest to take sports development to the next level in the state.
Receiving the delegation, Mr. Osagie acknowledged the existing relationship between UBA and Edo state.
He cited the example of the current Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Emmanuel Okoebor, who was UBA’s immediate past regional manager. “This connection shows there is already a working partnership. We will look at the proposal and communicate the next steps,” he assured.
