The new speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide George has declared that his interest in sports will not wane due to the weight responsibilities ahead of him, but says he will continue to be an advocate for adequate welfare of athletes.
Sports247.gathered that George made the pledge few hours after he was elected to the exalted seat in Akure, as he promised to use his position to empower sports men and women.
George, who is current vice president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), was sworn in as new speaker of Ondo State Assembly on Friday, after 18 members of the house endorsed him to take over following their impeachments of the former principal officers.
George replaced Bamidele Oleyelogun, who was impeached alongside his deputy, Iroju Ogundeji, and the new man in charge vowed that, apart from his primary assignment of lawmaking, he will work closely with those saddled with the responsibility of re-positioning Ondo State in sports.
He said: “I have been a sports lover over the years, and I will use my new position as the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly to empower the youths, particularly sports men and women.
“Ondo State is the home of Sports. We will work closely with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to regain our leadership position in sports. The governor is a sports lover.
“From football, where we have Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens, to athletics, basketball, golf, swimming, judo, weightlifting, table tennis, karate, boxing and squash, we will make our presence felt.
“Sports is an avenue to empower the youths and take them away from crime. That is what we will do. Team Ondo will storm the forthcoming National Sports Festival in a big way.”
