Sports Associations In Ekiti Chairmen, Patrons and Patronesses appointed

Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji represented by the Secretary to the State government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro while inaugurating the Sports Associations’ chairmen applauded the efforts at supporting government’s Sports development drive.

The Governor described sports as critical in fostering teamwork and team spirit, qualities which are essential in today’s world.

He noted that Sports was not a waste of time as wrongly perceived in some quarters adding that it’s not only a form of entertainment but generates meaningful socio-economic connections among the people and also provides career opportunities that allow individuals to earn a living while inspiring future generations.

The Governor reiterated his unalloyed commitment towards the growth of the Sports sector considering it’s immense mental, physical, and emotional impacts on the youth.

He urged the stakeholders to continue their support, both morally and financially, to complement Gov ‘s efforts at helping the youth achieve their dreams and realize their full potentials.

The Governor also charged the various commercial sports partners to strive towards increasing their support in a bid to help the teeming youths to channel their energy towards the betterment of themselves and the society.

In her opening remarks, the Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba said Sports play multi-dimensional roles that positively impact on Sports participants, enthusiasts and the society in general adding that its a potent agent of development and a way of life and a source of hope for a brighter future.

She recalled that since the governor’s assumption of office, Sports have enjoyed unprecedented moral and financial support from the present admission.

Dr Osetoba said the appointment of the Patrons, Patronesses, Chairmen and Members to the various Sports Associations in Ekiti State was one of the major steps taken by the Oyebanji administration towards fostering desired speedy development in the sector.

The governor’s aide noted that the appointments were made based on the appointees’
passion for sports and their significant contributions to the development of sports in the state.

She expressed confidence that the individuals share government ‘s vision of leveraging sports as a vehicle for youths empowerment and societal progress.

The Sports Associations’ chairmen who were inaugurated included Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Chess, Darts, Football, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Kick-boxing, Kung Fu, Para Sports, Tennis, Scrabble, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Volleyball, Golf, Deaf Sports, and Traditional Sports, among others while Patrons and Patroness for the two State owned football clubs, Ekiti United and Ekiti Queens were also announced.

While reeling out various strides of the Oyebanji administration aimed at harnessing the potentials of Sports to empower the youth and create jobs as key pillars of his administration, the Technical Advisor stressed that the State government has invested in sports infrastructure, supported local sporting events, and encouraged the participation of Ekiti youths in national and international competitions.

Nonetheless, she emphasized the need for private investors to leverage on the enabling environment thriving in the State to complement government’s Sports development efforts.

She noted that the Patrons, Patronesses and Chairmen of the Sporting Associations will help to boost, assist and carry the affairs of the associations to greater heights.

Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated Sports Associations’ chairmen, chairman of Judo Association, Prince Joseph Ogunsina
thanked the State government for counting them worthy for the appointments with a promise to do all within their resources to ensure a formidable synergy with government for a quicker, meaningful and enduring growth and development.

Below are the list of personalities who made the list of appointed Sports Associations’ chairmen, Patrons and Patroness:

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji – Grand Patron, Ekiti United F.C

Ekiti Governor’s wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji – Grand Patroness, Ekiti Queens F.C

Dr Musa Oshodi-
Judo Association Patron

Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye – Patroness Ekiti Queens F.C.

Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele – Patron, Ekiti United F.C.

Sen. Cyril Fasuyi – Patron, Ekiti United F.C.

Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye – Patron, Ekiti United Feeders

Prophet James Omitade – Patron, Ekiti United Feeders

Engr. Bayo Ajayi – Patron, Ekiti United F.C.

Mrs. Tokunbo Ajila-Jakande – Patroness, Ekiti Queens F.C.

Sen. Biodun Olujimi – Patroness, Ekiti Queens F.C.

Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju-Egbeyemi Patroness Ekiti Queens F.C.

Sen. Yemi Adaramodu – Chairman, Athletics Ass.

Hon. Femi Bamisile – Chairman, Basketball Ass.

Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole – Chairman, Table Tennis Ass.

Hon. Akin Rotimi – Chairman, Para-Athletics Ass.

Hon. Sola Fatoba – Chairman, Handball Ass.

Hon. Rufus Ojuawo – Chairman, Badminton Ass.

Mr. Akin Oyebode – Chairman, Cricket Ass.

Mr. Jimisayo Abe – Chairman, Tennis Ass.

Prince Ogunsina Joseph – Chairman, Judo Ass

Mr. Akinola Adedapo Kayode – Chairman, Volleyball Ass.

Mr. Tayo Olajubu – Chairman, Hockey Ass.

Dr. Oluwayemi – Chairman, Chess Ass.

Engr. Dare Bello – Chairman, Golf Ass.

Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye – Patron, Gymnastics Ass.

Hon. Idowu Odebunmi – Chairman, Karate Ass.

Hon. Tolu Ige – Chairman, Powerlifting Ass.

Mr. Dele Owoju – Chairman, Kung-fu Ass.

Surv. J.F. Aduloju – Chairman, Scrabble, Ass.

Mr. Deji Adesokan (Jaru) – Chairman, Boxing Ass.

Pastor Samson Akinfolarin – Chairman, Weightlifting Ass.

Mr. Bello Moshood – Chairman, Deaf sports Ass.

Mr. Audu Aminu – Chairman, Para-Soccer Ass.

Mr. Awojinrin Adetayo – Chairman, Wheel Chair Basketball Ass.

Mr. Bolaji Ezekiel – Chairman, Kick Boxing Ass.

Dr. Osakile Tomide – Chairman, Traditional Sports (AYO)

Prof. Pat Oyeniyi – Chairman, Baseball Ass.

Hon. Shola Adebayo – Patron, Scrabble Ass.

Prof. Mobolaji Ebenezer Aluko – Patron, Chess Ass.

Mr. Bamidele Anthony – Patron, Weightlifting Ass.

Sola Aisida – Patron, Table Tennis Ass.

Mr. Oladipo Samuel – Patron, Gymnastics Ass.

Pharmacist Mohammed Otusana – Patron Tennis Ass.