- By Demola Atobaba Ado-Ekiti
Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ekiti State chapter has called on the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the state to make good it’s promise to upgrade the Sports Council to a Commission and also do same as regard other lofty sports related promises he made last year.
The association in a communique made available to TopNews by a three man drafting committee headed by comrade Raphael Ogbonaiye and signed by the SWAN chairman; Alhaji Qozeem Oladapo and secretary; comrade Bisi Ogunleye shortly after it’s monthly meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the association noted that governor Oyebanji had showed laudable commitment towards sports development which came to fore through his regular remarks and actions.
SWAN, however, noted that sports has been drawn backward due to the non-actualization of the much awaited Sports Commission as many events had not witnessed any development in the last few months, hence the need for government to put in place the Board that will steer the ship of Sports in the State ahead of the National Sports Festival, the National Youth Games among other Continental and international sporting events.
The body of sports writers which identified with the state governor on his sports development agenda urged him to revitalize the various sporting associations through financial support.
On the current performances of the male and female state football teams, Ekiti United FC and Ekiti Queens FC, the SWAN urged the managements of both teams to justify the investment and support of government by improving on their recent dismal League results.
The association, however, frowned at the bad state of the football pitch at the popular Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti owing to poor maintenance by the concerned government agency, noting that the ugly situation contributed to the unacceptable movement of Ekiti United League match to Akure over the weekend and subsequent defeat on its adopted home ground.
Also at the monthly meeting of SWAN, the association congratulated the State Handball Coach, Kayode Idowu for his rare commitment and zeal which earned him a National invitation and eventual representation of the country at the just concluded World Women Handball Championship in Uzbekistan while other outstanding sportsmen and women including Bamidele Ajayi and Tutu Aladeloye who have performed well individually outside the country despite the current situation at the State Sports Council were also applauded.
On a sad note, a minute silence was observed in honour of the late Ekiti-born female goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseeni who recently died after over 8 years battle with cancer.
The sports writers commiserated with the family, friends and the Sports family in the state over the loss.
At the meeting, various pertinent issues concerning the association and its members as well as proposed programs later in the year were discussed as the Chairman, Qozeem Oladapo urged members to think out of the box and be more vibrant in order to initiate programs that will benefit the association.
In attendance were members of the executive as well as the first chairman of SWAN in Ekiti state, Mr Toyin Ayoola who commended members for their commitment and unity of purpose.
