The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised huge investment in the Sport sector to create a platform for building of flourishing lifetime careers for many Ekiti youth.
Oyebanji said his government was incurably desirous of investing heavily in the sector because he perceived sport as a weapon to instil culture of discipline, team spirit and hardwork in youth for quality leadership.
The Governor made the promise during the grand finale of Agbeyewa Farms Limited Football Competition, held in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Friday.
Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Adesola Gold Adedayo, saluted the organisers of the lofty competition for believing in partnership with government to bring radical development to the sector.
Oyebanji said his government will continually establish a propitious platform and enabling environment that would motivate the private sector to coalesce efforts with his administration to entrench Public Private Partnership to develop sporting activities in Ekiti.
The governor described sport as a veritable tool to create lifetime careers for people and wean them of criminal tendencies that are capable of destroying the moral fabrics of the nation, with the obvious dearth of white collar jobs in the system.
“Permit me to first thank the organisers and sponsors of this event: The Management and Staff of Agbeyewa Farms limited and The Ministry of Education, Ekiti State.
“Beyond coming to witness this grand finale, I am here to emphasise the importance of a key component of our country’s development strategy; which was a concentrated effort to empower our Youth via sports.
“Our government understands that building a strong sports culture is an investment in the future, rather than just being about games in the pursuit of success.
“Sport has the unmatched ability to mould our Youth’s personalities. It fosters perseverance, discipline, and teamwork. By placing a strong emphasis on sports in our educational programme, we are not only producing athletes, but also leaders, team players, and people who are prepared to take on any challenge in life.
“There are so many benefits to getting our kids involved in sports at this level. Although physical health is obviously beneficial, mental and emotional well-being are just as significant.
“In the spirit of cooperation, let’s work together to establish a setting where each youth may find their passion and abilities, as well as make a significant contribution to the fabrics of our country.
“Through sports, we are moulding the leaders, inventors, and champions of the future, not just players”.
In demonstration of his love for sports, Oyebanji said he had speedily assented to the recently passed Ekiti Sport Commission Bill after being debated and ratified by the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
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“This is one of the ways that the Government of Ekiti State is using to support and drive our Youth to success.
“I want to appreciate the coaching and the Technical Crew for a job well done. I equally want to congratulate the finalists for making it to this level. I encourage them to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship in their competition for the medals”, Oyebanji advised.