Benin City, Edo State Legal practitioner Douglas Ogbankwa Esq. has been appointed Chairman of the Edo State Mixed Martial Arts Association Board following the approval of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The appointment, conveyed in an official letter dated October 15, 2026, by the Edo State Sports Commission, recognises Ogbankwa’s demonstrated interest in sports and positions him to contribute to the development and promotion of mixed martial arts in the state.
According to the commission, the appointment is based on his proven interest in sports, with expectations that he will bring his wealth of experience to support the state government’s sports development initiatives.
As chairman, Ogbankwa will lead the association’s board, working alongside other appointed members to advance the development of mixed martial arts and strengthen the sport’s presence in Edo State.
Other members of the board include Samuel Onofua as Vice Chairman, Christopher Kadiri, Akin Ojo-Longe and Blessing Osabouhien Aguebor as members, while Mrs Patricia Ikekhua will serve as Secretary.
The inauguration of the board is scheduled to be conducted by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, and the commission’s board on behalf of Governor Okpebholo.
Ogbankwa’s appointment marks a new responsibility for the legal practitioner, who is expected to bring his experience and interest in sports to bear on the association’s activities and contribute to the broader objective of sports development in Edo State.
The development also underscores the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of sports through the constitution of association boards to support their respective sporting disciplines.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
