The Technical Advisor on Sports Development to the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has predicted a bright future for sports in Ekiti State.
Olusola credited Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the historic performance of Team Ekiti at the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, saying the provision of sports infrastructure by the governor significantly impacted the team’s performance.
Speaking after Team Ekiti’s landmark gold medal win in basketball, Dr. Osetoba described Governor Oyebanji as the “fortress and foundation” behind the state’s transformation in sports.
She stated that the Governor’s investments in modern facilities enabled young athletes to prepare adequately and showcase their talents on the national stage.
“All our athletes are truly under 15. We did not buy players or field overaged athletes,” Osetoba emphasized.
“Ours are homegrown, selected through secondary school competitions on the new facilities provided by the Governor.”
She highlighted the newly constructed ultramodern basketball court as a turning point, crediting it for Ekiti’s first-ever basketball gold at the Games.
“Before, we trained with outdated equipment. With the new court, we improved tremendously. Today’s victory is proof that His Excellency’s love for basketball has paid off,” she noted.
Dr. Osetoba also projected that the state’s current achievements were only the beginning.
“This is just the fringe of what is to come. With continuous training and our developmental programs, these athletes, many of whom are only between 9 and 11, will be stronger for the next edition in Lagos,” she said.
She further commended Governor Oyebanji’s holistic support for sports, citing new coaster buses, upgraded hostels for football clubs, renovation of Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, construction of administrative blocks, and a multipurpose sports hall.
“His Excellency is a true father of sports. I urge other states to emulate him. He has transformed every facet of sports in Ekiti,” she added.
