By: Our Reporter
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has pledged appropriate support for Nigerian athletes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
Otu gave the assurance while receiving members of the Nigerian Kabaddi team and sports stakeholders, stressing that sports remained a priority of his administration because of their potential to create professional opportunities, empower young people and stimulate economic growth.
The governor said his administration had consistently prioritised sports development, noting that sporting activities offered benefits beyond recreation.
“It has actually been a policy to encourage sports in all ramifications of it,” Otu said.
He explained that sports had become an important avenue for professional advancement and financial benefits, adding that the government was committed to creating an enabling environment for athletes to excel.
According to him, government alone could not provide all the resources required to develop sports to modern standards, making private-sector participation essential.
“The world over, it has become clear that government alone cannot sponsor sports. Private entities have to come into it to be able to provide the modern facilities that are required,” he said.
Otu commended the athletes for their dedication and sacrifices, assuring them that his administration would conduct the necessary assessment to determine appropriate support for their participation in the championship.
He expressed optimism about the team’s prospects and urged the athletes to return with medals and honours that would inspire young people across the state.
The governor, however, acknowledged that winning was not guaranteed for every athlete, noting that participation in international competitions would provide valuable experience and motivation for future championships.
Otu also directed officials to look into the team’s travel arrangements to Lagos ahead of the competition, asking them to confirm flight availability and facilitate the necessary arrangements, including tickets.
Earlier, the leader of the Kabaddi delegation, Mr Daniel Damola, commended the governor for supporting the introduction and development of the sport in Cross River State.
Damola described Otu as the first governor in Nigeria to endorse the discipline and explained that Kabaddi, which enjoys considerable popularity in Asian countries, was gradually expanding its presence across Africa.
He disclosed that during a delegates’ meeting in Ahmedabad, India, the governor’s support for Kabaddi was presented to international representatives, who subsequently voted to recognise his contribution to the sport’s development.
According to Damola, the recognition was scheduled for October 29, 2026, in India. However, details of the proposed award had not been independently confirmed.
The delegation expressed confidence that the governor’s support would encourage more young people to embrace sports as a pathway to personal development, professional achievement and community recognition.
Also speaking, the Technical Head, Mr Collins Eko, praised Otu’s continued interest in sports and expressed confidence that the athletes would represent Cross River State and Nigeria creditably at the championship
.
Eko pledged the team’s determination to give its best, noting that participation in the competition would help raise the profile of Kabaddi in Nigeria and encourage more young people to take up the sport.
The 2026 Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship is expected to offer Nigerian athletes an opportunity to compete internationally, gain valuable experience and contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.
