Gov. Oyetola is committed to Sports Development – Aide

Approves Re-grassing of Osogbo Tpownship Stadium

Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the re-grassing of Osogbo township stadium.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Aremo Gboyega Adelabu gave the information in Osogbo during the monthly Stakeholders’ Forum of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter.

Aremo Adelabu who assured that the contractor would soon begin to work the project added that arrangements had been concluded to purchase good, modern equipment needed in other sports.

He noted that the state currently scored low in sports, but assured that steps were being taken to improve on sports facilities and equipment and make the state teams generate funds for themselves.

Speaking on the major challenges of the sports sector and efforts to overcome them, Aremo Adelabu said “funding has been the major challenge. The running of football clubs requires a lot of money which made us think out of the box. Part of what we have done was to offer replica jerseys of Osun United and Osun Babes for sales to political office holders to jack up the revenue. There are plans to sell mugs, key holders and other merchandise that will bring income to the teams too. We are confident that with these, we can increase the financial base of the clubs.”

When asked about athletes discovered during last year’s sports festival and general welfare of players, he said, “most of those picked (during 2021 Osun Sports Festival) are with Osun United while others are among the contract coaches and athletes at the Osun State Sports Council.

Earlier in his opening remark, Osun State Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Mr Timothy Agbor appreciated the gesture of Aremo Adelabu and reiterated that the association would not relent in its efforts at promoting government activities aimed at developing all categories of sports in the state.

There was also a remark by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development, Vincent Akinbami who affirmed Governor Oyetola’s love for sports and several efforts to improve the performance of Osun United and Osun Babes.

Adenitan Akinola