Samuel Sunday
Ekiti State Technical Adviser on Sports Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Osetoba, has urged Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to deepen investment in sports infrastructure, athletes’ welfare and grassroots talent development as he begins his second term in office.
Osetoba, who spoke with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, said greater attention to the sector would help consolidate the achievements recorded during the governor’s first term and position Ekiti for stronger participation and competitiveness in national sporting events.
She specifically called for the expansion or construction of a bigger stadium capable of hosting major sporting competitions, while advocating sustained investment in modern sports facilities and programmes for identifying and nurturing talents from the grassroots.
The technical adviser also urged stakeholders and residents to protect existing sporting facilities from vandalism, littering and unauthorised use, stressing that maintaining the facilities was essential to preserving government’s investment in the sector.
Osetoba commended Oyebanji for his administration’s support for sports development, describing the governor as a mentor and benefactor. She congratulated him on his second term and wished him good health, wisdom and continued success in the service of Ekiti State.
She said the administration had strengthened sports administration through improved coordination of sporting associations and the activities of the Ekiti State Sports Commission, creating a more structured environment for athletes and other stakeholders to pursue their programmes.
According to her, the rehabilitation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium was one of the major achievements recorded under the administration, with the provision of an astroturf, tartan track and improved spectator facilities.
She added that the provision of a new coaster bus had also improved transportation for athletes and teams representing the state at various competitions.
Osetoba said the government had equally prioritised athletes’ welfare through the provision of stipends, allowances, accommodation, kits and other forms of support.
She noted that athletes across different sporting disciplines had benefited from sponsorship and opportunities to represent Ekiti at national competitions, describing such support as important to improving their performance and morale.
The technical adviser further highlighted the administration’s grassroots sports initiatives, particularly competitions for young athletes in the under-10 and under-12 categories.
She said the programmes had created opportunities for early talent identification and development, noting that a recent kiddies sports programme attracted more than 1,000 children.
Osetoba expressed optimism that the governor’s second term would bring further development to the sports sector through increased investment in infrastructure, athletes’ welfare, grassroots talent discovery and participation in national competitions.
She urged the sports community, government agencies and residents to support initiatives aimed at developing the sector, saying collective efforts would be required to position Ekiti as a stronger sporting destination.
Osetoba reiterated her congratulations to Governor Oyebanji and expressed confidence that continued collaboration among government, athletes, sports associations and other stakeholders would help unlock the state’s sporting potential.