Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Ekiti State government has reassured its dedication to nurturing athletes and promoting sports excellence, aiming to produce national and international champions.
Olusola Osetoba, Technical Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on sports development, made this promise during a roundtable meeting with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) members in Ekiti State.
According to Ms Osetoba, under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, the state has achieved significant milestones in sports development since he took office two years ago.
Notable accomplishments include upgrading the Sports Council to a Commission, introducing stipends for athletes, and employing coaches and technical officials.
She noted that these measures aim to prevent other states from poaching Ekiti’s talented athletes. The government has also restructured the two state-owned football clubs, hiring new technical crews for both.
“Hostel accommodation with good furniture has been provided for Ekiti Queens FC to boost their work rate in training and performance in the league.
“To crown it all, Oyebanji has just laid the foundation for the construction of 900 seat Indoor sports hall of International standard, which will accommodate no fewer than 16 sports,” she said.
Ms. Osetoba urged Ekiti’s youths, sports writers, and indigenes to support the Oyebanji-led administration’s sporting agendas, fostering a collaborative environment for sports growth and development in the state.
