- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
After it has been passed by the Ekiti State House of Assembly, the bill to establish the Ekiti State Sports Commission would be signed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the next two weeks.
Governor Oyebanji who revealed this while hosting the state’s athletes who participated in the 7th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, said that plans have been concluded on the road map to developing Sports in the state.
The state’s athletes numbering 100 plus 37 officials brought home seven medal comprising 2 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze won in golf, Tennis and baseball.
Governor Oyebanji who expressed delight at the performances of the young talents despite lack of Sporting facilities apologized to them and their parents on the way they were treated during the Games.
He said he was disappointed at the actions of some of the officials, promising that no official found wanting would be spared.
The Governor who vowed to pay more attention to Sports development said that efforts were in the offing to construct a world class indoor Sports Center in the state by next year.
He directed the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Mr Femi Aduloju to immediately draw action plans on the renovation of the stadiums at Ikere, Ijero, Ikole and starting with the Oluyemi Kayode stadium in Ado Ekiti , with a pledge that his administration was determined to maximize the potentials of the young talents in Sports and other sectors.
Governor Oyebanji who declared cash reward to all the 100 athletes and the coaches that represented Ekiti State at the National Youth Games in Delta State also promised to give attention to the development of the coaches while urging the youths to concentrate on their studies to become worthy future Sports stars.
The governor called on corporate bodies and the political class to join in the quest to bring back the lost glory of Sport as a lucrative business and not just fun.
Phillip Fagbuaro , a baseball player thanked the governor for the heroic reception on behalf of all the athletes and the officials with a promise to always improve on their games to do the State proud at future events.
The Director of Organizing, Ekiti State Sports Council, Mr Isaac Elegbeleye had earlier given the breakdown of the Team Ekiti contingent and their performances at the National Youth Games hosted by Delta State.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, SSG, the Speaker and other lawmakers as well as the Head of Service.
Top Sports administrators including former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports,Mr Yemi Owoseni, former chairman Ekiti Sports Council, Dr (Mrs) Olusola Osetoba among others were also in attendance.
The reception became the first and the fastest in the country since the conclusion of the National Youth Games
Aside the cash reward promised the athletes and the coaches, all of them also went home with special packages as the governor went round to shake hand with all the athletes one after the other and also took photographs with them.
God sent Ekiti State Governor to Ekiti at this time, that’s why I respect John Kayode Fayemi for giving us BAO.