Nigerian sports authorities need to pay a little attention to the quiet grassroots talent hunt revolution Prince Mabel Madojiemu is carrying out in Edo State.
Edo State Athletics Association chairman, Barrister Dele Edokpayi made the statement at the close of this year’s Princess Mable Madojiemu Schools Athletics Championships.
Madojiemu, a 400m runner who represented Nigeria at the Olympics 2004, Commonwealth Games 2006, and 1999 African Games 4x400m gold medal winner, took it upon herself to discover and groom athletes in her own little corner in Edo State.
So far the Championships, which began in 2020 has thrown up talents which Edo State and Nigeria can be proud off. These athletes include Prestina Oluchi Ochonogho who won a long jump bronze at the last African Games and Faith Osamuyi who missed the podium narrowly at the Accra 2023 Games.
The 2024 edition came to a fitting finale on April 26 after two days of contest at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City and a good number of youth athletes had their prowess recorded with a view of helping them to reach their potentials. One of these kids was Treasure Omosivwe who won a double in the long jump and high jump. She cleared a height of 1.50m to the marvel of athletics watchers.
“That is a remarkable feat by all standards,” said Maria Osifo, former national 400m hurdles champion.
“She is just 14, she has all the attributes of a high jumper with good training and monitoring she can be more of an athlete to watch in the world.”
Others who showed promise include Joy Joshua in the girls 100m, Victor Owhoruodeke, Esther Oyo and Moses Bright in the 400m. These young athletes were excited to participate in the championships, most especially when they were given a token of cash rewards and spiked shoes for the overall best performers.
Thirty three schools in and around Benin City the Edo State capital participated in the championships which was graced by eminent personalities, they include the Edo State Athletics Association chairman, Barrister Dele Edokpayi, former Nigerian Internationals Godwin Obasogie, Charlton Ehizuelen, Bruce Ijirigho and of course an excellent host Yusuf Alli, the Edo State Sports Commission executive chairman who ensured that the competition runs smoothly without hitches.
“I am so excited with the outcome of the this year’s championships,” Princess Madojiemu
“Moreso, the number of kids we have seen with talents that can train to compete at the world level is amazing and we are encouraged to keep doing this.””I’m grateful for all the support by the Edo Sports Commission, Edo AA and others who made the event a big success.”
Commenting on the event, Barrister Edokpayi noted that Princess Madojiemu had taken the bull by the horn in developing grassroots talents.
“What she is doing is highly commendable and I think those in higher authority should pay attention.
“She has shown excellent passion and dedication and that is what we need from everyone concerned with sports administration in our country. We need to do the right things so that track and field and indeed other sports can be lucrative.”
