Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo, has expressed the state’s readiness to showcase its ‘world-class’ facilities for a successful hosting of athletes for the Commonwealth Game and World Championship trials.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Shaibu said the state, being the nation’s heartbeat, would be delighted to welcome the athletes and officials from around the world for the sporting event.

“It is heartwarming and gratifying to know that 400 athletes and 100 officials from Europe, the U.S.A., Canada and Africa will converge on Edo for the inter-continental competition,” he said.

According to him, Edo is renowned for being the native land of sports in the comity of states in Nigeria.

Mr Shaibu added that the state was proud of its ‘state-of-the-art’ sports arena in Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

“As a responsible government and hospitable people, we shall not take for granted the convergence of our highly- esteemed guests on the ancient city of Benin.

“Indeed, it is a rare opportunity for us as a state to showcase our capacity and competence to host an international sporting event of this magnitude.

“I should also add that Edo is the most-secure state in the South-South zone of Nigeria.

“We are the home of culture and hospitality; our people are resourceful, creative, hardworking and accommodating,” Mr Shaibu said. 

(NAN)