….Eporo community rallies support for ruling party
By Demola Atobaba
The re-election bid of the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress candidate, Governor Boidun Oyebanji has continue to gathered more momentum as the grassroots sports development initiative held in Eporo community in Emure Local Government Areas of Ekiti State putd smiles on the faces of the participants.
The event which led to the discovery of five new sporting talents, while also galvanising strong community support for the re-election bid of the Governor.
Organizer of the program, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, attracted widespread participation from youths and kids.
The grassroot sporting outreach featured: Table Tennis, Egg Race, fill in the basket, fill in the bottle, sack race, relay race, especially football match between Rising Stars FC and Akeye United, which ended in 1-0 in favour of the former.
The selected athletes include Boniface John (male), Lawrence Precious (female), Emmanuel Favour (female), Mudasiru Samad (male) and one other.
Speaking with journalists at the event held at Local Authority Nursery and Primary School, Eporo on Saturday, Osetoba explained that the initiative was driven by the administration’s commitment to strengthening both the start-up ecosystem and the sports sector across the state.
She noted that government support has been consistent through the provision of improved infrastructure, access to training opportunities and enhanced welfare packages for athletes.
According to her, key facilities such as sports halls have already been put in place, while additional equipment is being procured to further boost sporting activities statewide.
She described the Eporo sports outreach as part of a broader strategy to deepen grassroots sports development by engaging young people, identifying talents and fostering a sense of inclusion.
Her words, “What inspired me to do this is the vision of the present administration towards the start-up and sports sectors. They have been very supportive providing opportunities for us both nationally and internationally.
“Infrastructure is being put in place; the sports hall is ready, equipment is on the way and allowances, among other benefits, have been provided by the Governor.
“We decided to focus on grassroots sports development, which is why we are here in Eporo today to engage our youth in sports, involve them and make them feel a sense of belonging.
“Beyond that, we also aim to go around the city to inform people about what the Governor has been doing in the sports sector. This is a grassroots initiative to support the Governor.
“I’m very excited. I did not expect it to turn into a rally. My intention was simply to promote sports development and use it as a platform to identify talents among the youth. However, it turned into a rally because of the Governor’s performance and the impact he has made on the people.
“We are here for grassroots development and have been able to identify new talents today, both male and female. We have taken their details and will move them to Oluyemi Kayode Stadium for further training, so they can be prepared for youth camp participation”.
On his part, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Emure-Ekiti, Gabriel Ominiyi Monday, described the initiative as unprecedented in the community.
He commended the state government’s developmental strides, particularly in the education sector, noting the ongoing renovation of school facilities where the event was held.
Ominiyi further praised Osetoba for her commitment to driving grassroots sports development across local governments, stressing that her efforts have created meaningful engagement and opportunities for young people.
“This is a one-of-a-kind event in this community and we thank Almighty God for making it possible. We are very grateful for what the Governor has been doing for our community.
“If you look at the school premises where this event is taking place, you will see the level of renovation, classrooms and other amenities have been improved. What they have in the primary school is commendable, and if you visit the secondary school, you will see similar developments. We are truly grateful to our amiable Governor.
“We also appreciate Dr. Osetoba, who is in charge of this initiative. She has been moving across local governments to carry out activities like this, and we are very happy with her efforts. Today is a remarkable day for this community, and we sincerely thank both the Governor and Dr. Osetoba for their support”, he added.
The selected candidates, who couldn’t contain their joy, expressed their profound gratitude to the Governor’s Aide, saying they would build on the opportunity in making sure they become pride of the state.
Other highpoint of the event was presentation of prizes to first, second, third position holders from respective categories.
It was indeed a memorable and epoch event as community leaders sports enthusiasts, and other participants looks forward to another future outing
