The newly appointed chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli says he will work in synergy with his board members and critical stakeholders to ensure sports is re-positioned in the state.

Alli, former ‘ Team Nigeria’ Captain, and his board member were on Saturday inaugurated by Governor Godwin Obaseki after being screened and cleared for the job by the Edo State State House of Assembly.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, the former African high jump record holder, and Commonwealth gold medalist promised that his immediate task is to build on the successes recorded at the last National Sports Festival hosted by the state and ensure that the ‘ Heart Beat of the Nation’ regains its leadership position in sports in the country.

“ I’m highly humbled to be considered worthy for this position and I must thank Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his sports-loving and hard-working Deputy Philip Shuaibu for trusting in me to move Edo Sports forward and I promise not to disappoint.

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“ You’re aware that Edo state in the past has produced great sportsmen and women for the country with the Afuze Games village built by then Military Administrator of old Bendel State, late Brig General Samuel Ogbumudia a reference point in sports development in the country but suddenly everything went under and its that narrative that I have come to change with my able board members.

“Our immediate task will be how to re-position sports in the state which will be done through aggressive grassroots development programme and building on the successes recorded at the last Sports Festival which I played an important role and am confidence that with the support of all, we shall succeed”, he sounded confidently.