The newly appointed General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Olamidekun Lebi, has called for calm, unity, and constructive dialogue following a protest that trailed her appointment and briefly disrupted activities at the state sports complex in Akure.
The protest, led by some sports union leaders, athletes, and stakeholders, resulted in the temporary closure of the main gate of the complex as aggrieved parties voiced concerns over the appointment.
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Reacting in a telephone interview, Mrs Lebi appealed to coaches and athletes to embrace peace in the collective interest of sports development in the state, urging them to see her as one of their own.
“I understand the concerns being expressed, but I appeal for calm and cooperation. Sports can only grow in an atmosphere of unity,” she said. “I am ready to work with everyone for the advancement of sports in Ondo State.”
Mrs Lebi emphasized that she is not an outsider to the system, noting that she has spent over a decade serving within the Ondo State Sports Council, where she has contributed to its growth in various capacities.
She assured stakeholders that athletes’ welfare would remain a top priority under her leadership and pledged to work closely with coaches to revive sporting activities across the state.
According to her, the administration under her watch will be inclusive, collaborative, and development-driven, with a clear focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.
A former national athlete and seasoned sports administrator, Mrs Lebi hails from Ondo West Local Government Area. She attended St. Monica’s Girls Grammar School, Ondo, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), alongside Master’s degrees from OAU and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
Her professional experience cuts across multiple sports. She is a former member of the Ondo State Football Agency, a registered member of the Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation, and has represented Ondo State in national and international competitions. She has also played key administrative roles in football, basketball, wrestling, and martial arts, including serving as Organising Secretary of Sunshine Queens Football Club.
Until her recent appointment, Mrs Lebi served as Director of Sports at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi, met with the management of the Sports Council to brief them on recent developments, urging staff to extend full cooperation to the new General Manager.
Describing Mrs Lebi as a qualified and experienced professional, the commissioner expressed confidence in her ability to reposition sports in Ondo State.
Mrs Evelyn Lebi succeeds Mr Sunday Fagite, who recently retired from the civil service, marking a new chapter for sports administration in the state amid calls for unity and renewed focus on development.
