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Edo State Governor’s Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Mobilisation, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, had a busy weekend, declaring open a chess tournament in Benin City and unveiling a football championship in Owan East.
In Benin, Ilaboya opened a one-day Chess Classics for U-10 and U-14 pupils, organised by Brainy Brains Chess Foundation and Aidia Sports at the Ettete Sports Complex. Over 130 pupils took part.
Commending the organisers for staging such an impressive grassroots event, he said it aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of using sports to engage young people.
“I want to thank and appreciate the Organizers of this tournament for bringing these young chess players together under one roof.
“This tournament aligns with the vision of His Excellency, Sen Monday Okpebholo, to use sports to engage the youths and nurture them to stardom.
“So, I am here on behalf of His Excellency to encourage you all to be at your best because I can see future Chess champions among you,” he added.
To motivate the pupils, Ilaboya promised to support the overall best player with educational materials.
The former Edo FA Chairman then moved to Evbiamen-Emai, Owan East, for the official unveiling of the Hon. Andrew Ijegbai Football Championship 2026, which features 22 teams from Owan East and Owan West.
At the event, Ilaboya praised Hon. Andrew Ijegbai for investing in grassroots football, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of Governor Okpebholo’s vision to engage youths positively, discover talents and nurture future champions.
He urged the players to showcase their abilities, noting that the tournament could mark the start of their journey to professional football. He also promised to brief Governor Okpebholo on the initiative.
The event drew the Owan East Council Chairman, Hon. Ernest Oyaole Aitalegbe; Edo FA Vice Chairman, Mr. Paul Ojeisekhoba; LOC Chairman, Mr. Johnbull Ogedengbe; as well as football administrators, coaches and team captains.
From the chessboard to the football pitch, Ilaboya continues to champion grassroots sports as a pathway to youth development and sporting excellence in Edo State.
