By Kanu Samuel
Football stakeholders have commended the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for recognising and rewarding Super Falcons defender, Tosin Demehin; the team’s Media Officer, Mary Akinsola; and Secretary, Mary Oduboku.
The Convener of the Ondo State Football Stakeholders Forum, Otunba Dele Ologbese, described the Governor’s gesture as “monumental in the annals of Ondo State’s sports history” during a chat with Newsmen on Tuesday.
“While we appreciate the Governor for honoring Super Falcons defender and other officials who are indigenes of Ondo State, we must point out that the circle remains incomplete until other forgotten heroes in the sports sector who have brought glory and honor to the state through their invaluable contributions are also recognised and rewarded,” he said.
He recalled that in response to calls from stakeholders, the Governor had in 2023 promised to recognise athletes, footballers, and sports administrators who have made the state proud
“Having successfully completed the first phase of the reward system on Monday, it is time to begin the process of extending the same recognitions to others,” Ologbese emphasised. “We believe that, being a sports enthusiast himself, the Governor will fulfill his promise.”
He also lauded the Governor for organising a special reception for the honored heroines, noting that the event underscores the government’s commitment to celebrating merit, excellence, and performance.
“We are convinced that this gesture will boost grassroots football development, as budding talents across all corners of the state will be motivated to develop their skills and aim for the highest levels of their careers,” he added.
Ologbese further expressed excitement over the Governor’s recent public statement pledging support for Sunshine Stars’ quest to gain promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
“This is the Governor’s first official statement on the club since it was relegated. We will, however, hold him by his words only if he walks the talk by allowing high-caliber professionals to manage the affairs of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) that supervised the club ” he said.
The pioneer Administrative Secretary of ODSFA stressed the importance of appointing tested technocrats to lead the agency, warning that selecting non-professionals or political loyalists would be counterproductive
“Sunshine Stars, Sunshine Queens, and other teams in the state can only thrive if the government invests heavily in sports infrastructures, which are currently in a state of neglect,” he said.
He described the condition of the Akure Township Stadium, home to both male and female teams as worrisome, lamenting its prolonged incompletion. He also highlighted the dilapidated state of other stadiums in Ondo, Okitipupa, and Ikare-Akoko.
“If the Akure Stadium is not fully completed before the start of the 2025/2026 NNL season in October, we will consider the Governor’s promise to support Sunshine Stars as a mere political statement,” he concluded.
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