By Charles Ayodele
One of Ekiti sons that has been doing the State proud in the diaspora, Victor Olanrewaju Ajayi has described attitudinal change as a basic necessity towards attaining desired development in Sports in Nigeria.
Addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN),Ekiti State chapter at an interactive session tagged SWAN ROUNDTABLE held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, Ajayi said all stakeholders should change their ways for good in order to actualise the desired vision for Sports.
The UK based football coach who is a retired footballer and once served as the Team Manager of Ekiti United FC hinted the Sports journalists about how Sport is run in developed countries, saying development of sports goes beyond government alone as stakeholders, retired and active sportsmen and women, as well as coaches and Administrators all have roles to play.
He noted that negative attitude, negligence, incompetence, dishonesty and lack of commitment are bane of Sports development in Nigeria adding that Ekiti State was lucky to have a passionate sports personality as the governor of the State at the moment.
However, the Christ School, Ado Ekiti alumnus and graduate of Geography, urged the State Governor to ensure appointment of genuinely committed personalities to steer the ship of the newly signed Sports Commission.
He also urged Sports stakeholders to support the Governor and whoever is appointed into the Sports Commission, either as chairman or Board members for the aspiration of the present administration to come to fusion within the limited time frame.
Coach Victor Ajayi, who hailed from Omuo Oke in Ekiti East Local Government area of Ekiti State being a CAF B and UEFA License Football coach with Second Degree in Coaching from the United Kingdom identified certification, experience, technical know-how and discipline as qualities of any coach or administrator that would succeed in Sports.
Noting that sports was not rocket science, he emphasized that development in Sports could be difficult without conducive environment, facilities and competent hands.
He recalled how foreign partners had made moves to construct a modern baseball and softball pitch in Ekiti State, though he said some unforeseen circumstances hindered the vision from being realized.
The Under 16 Football Coach said, Sports could liberate a community, hence the need for stakeholders and those saddled with the responsibility of administering Sports to respect human rights, ensure honesty, diligence and reinvigorated sponsorship drive.
He also called for government policy that would support education and Sports for youths as well as private investment in Sports to reduce over-dependence on government spending.
Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by Qozeem Oladapo, took turn to ask the UK based football coach pertinent questions as the forum provided an opportunity for them to have an insight into the difference between how Sports is administered in Nigeria compared to how it’s being done in the developed countries.
After the SWAN ROUNDTABLE, the guest who came alongside his ally, coach Rotimi Ibosiola made a cash donation and also promised to support the new SBV initiative of the Association.