Osun State is looking to strengthen its grassroots sports development by investing in coaching education, with 18 coaches reportedly sponsored to undertake professional training at the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in Lagos.
The beneficiaries were selected from the state’s three senatorial districts and represent several sporting disciplines, including football, athletics, boxing, weightlifting and para weightlifting.
The initiative also creates an opportunity for former athletes, including para-sport competitors, to develop professional coaching skills and remain involved in sports after their competitive careers.
Sport247 reports that the sponsorship is being funded by the Osun State Government through the Office of Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Sports, Prince Kola Adewusi, according to details provided for the announcement.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony in Osogbo on Wednesday, October 21, Osun State Sports Council General Manager Ademola Daini urged the beneficiaries to represent the state with discipline, dedication and professionalism throughout their training.
Daini said the knowledge gained should contribute to improved coaching standards and stronger sporting performance when the coaches return.
He commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for supporting the initiative and praised Adewusi for championing its implementation. He also acknowledged the support of the Chairman of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Abiola Jeremiah Awoyeye.
The Sports Council’s Director of Technical, Adejoke Osho, was also present at the ceremony.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, former Osun State Sports Council taekwondo athlete Abdullahi Adegoke expressed appreciation for the opportunity to improve their professional knowledge and coaching capabilities.
Adegoke assured the state government and Sports Council leadership that the beneficiaries would uphold Osun’s image and apply what they learn to the development of their respective sports.
The initiative comes as coach education continues to receive attention in Nigeria, with sports bodies and other organizations pursuing training programmes to improve technical standards and grassroots development.
However, professional training is only one part of the process. The coaches will need opportunities to work with athletes, access to suitable facilities and equipment, and regular competitions where their knowledge can be put into practice.
For Osun State, the real test will be whether the investment translates into better coaching, stronger talent identification and improved opportunities for young athletes across different sporting disciplines.
If effectively supported after training, the 18 coaches could help strengthen the state’s sports development system and provide a pathway for former athletes to contribute to the next generation.
