By Samuel Sunday
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Osetoba, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, describing him as a mentor and benefactor who provided her the platform to serve.
Osetoba, in an interview with journalists in her office in Ado-Ekiti, wished the Governor a successful second term, praying for good health, long life and greater achievements for Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji, who was re-elected in the June 20, 2026 governorship election, is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term on October 16, 2026.
Speaking on achievements in the sports sector, Osetoba said the administration has recorded significant progress in restructuring, infrastructure, athletes’ welfare and grassroots development.
According to her, the inauguration of sporting associations and the establishment of the Ekiti State Sports Commission has improved coordination, accountability and independence in the management of sports in the state.
She identified the rehabilitation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium as a major milestone, listing the installation of astroturf, tartan tracks, VIP seats, covered terraces and other facilities as evidence of the government’s commitment to sports.
Osetoba disclosed that government also provided a new coaster bus for athletes, ending years of reliance on borrowed and hired vehicles for national competitions.
On welfare, she said athletes across 26 sports now enjoy monthly stipends, competition allowances, accommodation, kits and sponsorship to national competitions, adding that some Ekiti athletes, including players of Ekiti Queens, have gone on to represent Nigeria.
The Technical Adviser said the administration has prioritized grassroots and kiddies sports, noting that over 1,000 children participated in a recent U-10 and U-12 programme designed for early talent discovery and development.
She added that sports is being positioned as a tool for job creation, youth empowerment, tourism and revenue generation, in line with the administration’s human capital development agenda.
While commending the Governor, Osetoba decried poor maintenance culture, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, unauthorized access and security breaches at sports facilities, appealing to residents and stakeholders to protect public assets.
She said her major expectation for the second term is the expansion of the state’s sports infrastructure, particularly the development of a bigger stadium to accommodate the growing number of athletes and sporting activities.
Osetoba thanked Governor Oyebanji for his support for the sector and expressed optimism that his second term will further position sports as a platform for opportunities and economic empowerment for Ekiti youths.
