Highlighting Oyebanji’s First-Term Sports Gains, Osetoba Eyes Bigger Stadium
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s first term brought changes to sports administration, infrastructure, athlete welfare and grassroots development in Ekiti State, according to his technical advisor on sports development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba.
Osetoba highlighted the gains while congratulating Oyebanji on his re-election. She described the governor as a mentor and benefactor who gave her the opportunity to serve the state.
She wished him good health, long life and a successful second term ahead of his inauguration on Oct. 16.
Reviewing the administration’s sports record, Osetoba identified the establishment of the Ekiti State Sports Commission as an important step towards improving the organisation and management of sports in the state.
She also cited the rehabilitation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, where the government installed an astroturf and tartan tracks while providing covered terraces and VIP seats.
The administration’s investment, she said, extended to athletes competing across 26 sports. Support provided during the first term included monthly stipends, competition allowances, accommodation, kits and sponsorship.
A new coaster bus was also provided to improve the movement of athletes and officials to competitions.
Osetoba said the support had opened opportunities for Ekiti athletes beyond the state, including players from Ekiti Queens who went on to represent Nigeria.
Grassroots development also formed part of the administration’s sports programme. More than 1,000 children recently participated in an under-10 and under-12 initiative designed to identify talent early and provide opportunities for development.
According to Osetoba, the government is seeking to develop sports into a productive sector that can create jobs, engage young people, attract visitors and generate revenue for Ekiti.
She, however, expressed concern over the handling of some public sports facilities. Poor maintenance, indiscriminate refuse disposal, unauthorised access and security breaches, she warned, could undermine the investments already made.
Osetoba called on athletes, residents and other stakeholders to treat the facilities as shared public assets and support efforts to preserve them.
Looking towards Oyebanji’s second term, she said the growing number of athletes and sporting activities would require further investment in infrastructure. She expressed hope that a bigger stadium would eventually be developed to meet the state’s expanding sporting needs.
For Osetoba, the immediate task is to protect the progress recorded during the first term while creating more opportunities for athletes and young people over the next four years.
Can Ekiti turn its first-term sports gains into lasting growth under Oyebanji’s second administration?
Stay with SPORTIVE for updates on Ekiti sports.
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