Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Michael Awopetu has said that Ekiti State Sports will henceforth be Sponsorship-driven to aid the efforts of the State Government in developing sports in the state.
Hon. Awopetu stressed this in Ado-Ekiti during a meeting with the General Manager of the State’s Sports Council, Mr. Deji Samo, Coaches and the Organising Secretaries of the Council.
He lauded the efforts of the Kayode Fayemi-led administration in supporting the sector and ensuring full participation of the State Athletes in local, national and international events.
The meeting which was held at the Ministry’s Complex, was aimed at addressing the issues of funding for sports in the state alongside creating a synergy between the Ministry and the Professionals at the Sports Council.
The Commissioner explained that funding and administration of sports cannot be left to government alone, adding that the Board Members of various Sports Associations should be able to source for funds to cater for competitions as it is their responsibility as members of these associations to support the efforts of government to achieve the desired goals.
Hon. Awopetu also mentioned that he was aware of the limitations of the coaches due to lack of sporting equipments, but assured that all that will be taken care of soon.
The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Yemi Owoseni, in his remarks, appreciated the Fayemi-led administration for its commitment towards developing sports in the state.
Mr. Owoseni however lamented the incessant loss of athletes trained in the state to other states, cautioning coaches against instigating their athletes against the State’s Sports Council, stressing that the ripple effect of such act would be uncontrollable and most times leave the athletes vulnerable to unscrupulous agents that may want to lure them with bogus promises.
While calling for absolute cooperation from all stakeholders, Mr. Owoseni emphasized that no meaningful development could occur in an atmosphere of rancor, assuring that the present administration of Kayode Fayemi would continue to develop Sports as part of its Youth Development Programmes.
He also charged the organising secretaries to be alive to their responsibilities and push for a sponsorship drive to help boost the chances of making it to all competitions.
Reacting, the General Manager of the State Sports Council, Mr. Deji Samo, expressed gratitude to the State Government in its efforts towards boosting Sports in the state.
He stressed the need to reciprocate government’s gesture, urging all stakeholders to support the efforts of government while workers must shun laziness, disorderliness and other forms of indiscipline.
Expressing confidence in the ability of the workforce to perform creditably, Samo called for necessary incentives and routine supervision of the workforce, while also using the opportunity to seek the backing of the Ministry to get sponsorships, equipment’s and more staff at the Council.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
