Ekiti State Technical Adviser on Sports Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Osetoba, has congratulated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as he prepares to start his second term in office, commending his administration’s efforts in sports development and urging continued investment in facilities and athlete welfare.
Osetoba, while speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, described Oyebanji as a mentor and benefactor whose administration had given greater attention to sports development across the state. As the governor is about to be sworn in for the second term as the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, she wished the Governor a successful tenure, good health and continued progress.
Osetoba said, Oyebanji administration had strengthened the sport sector in Ekiti through the establishment and restructuring of relevant sports bodies, including the Ekiti State Sports Commission, while also improving coordination among sporting associations across the state.
According to the Technical Adviser, the rehabilitation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium has significantly provided an enabling environment for sporting activities, with facilities such as the astroturf, tartan track, improved spectator areas and other infrastructure receiving attention. She added also that the provision of a new coaster bus had also improved transportation for athletes and teams.
Osetoba also highlighted improvements in athletes’ welfare, saying the government had provided stipends, allowances, accommodation, kits and sponsorship opportunities for athletes across different sporting disciplines. She noted that the support had helped Ekiti athletes participate more actively in national competitions.
She further disclosed that the government had strengthened grassroots sports through competitions for young athletes, including under-10 and under-12 categories, as part of efforts to identify and nurture talents early.
She noted that recent kiddies sport programme attracted more than 1,000 children, describing grassroots development as essential to producing future athletes and creating opportunities for youths.
However, Osetoba called for expansion or the construction of bigger stadium and stronger maintenance culture to sustain the gains recorded in the sector. She urged residents and sports stakeholders to protect sports facilities round the state and expressed confidence that Oyebanji’s second term would provide further opportunities for sports development in Ekiti State.
