By Kanu Samuel
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has honoured the pioneer Secretary of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Ologbese, with a Golden Award for his contributions to the development of sports in the state.
Ologbese, who is the convener of the Ondo State Football Stakeholders Group, was among personalities recognised at the “Ondo SWAN 50 Sports Icons Award” held in Akure as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.
As Secretary of the agency, Ologbese played a significant roles in the growth of Sunshine Stars Football Club, which made waves across the country and competed prominently on the continental stage.
Under his tenure, Sunshine Stars participated in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, reaching the semi-final stages of the competitions in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
His involvement in football administration also extended to the development of young talents. He was instrumental in the establishment of football academies across the three senatorial districts of the state, creating avenues for identifying, nurturing and developing the next generation of footballers.
The former Vice Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association later served as Chairman of Rising Stars FC
He was also the founder and pioneer Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Ondo State Chapter, and later served as National Vice-Chairman of the NFSC State Chapters Forum.
The former Chairman of Akoko South West Local Football Council also served as a member of the Nigeria Football Federation’s Committee on Protocols and Ceremonials, as well as a Premier League Match Commissioner.
Ologbese, who was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Director of Organising in the Ondo State Sports Council, Alaba Oladipo, commended SWAN for conferring the prestigious award on him.
He urged the association to remain committed to upholding professional ethics and promoting the interests of coaches, athletes and administrators in the sports sector.
“I am very elated to be among the recipients of the prestigious award. Thank you all, and may God bless SWAN,” he said.
Among those recognised at the event were former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Oluwateru; former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye; former Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola; and Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi.
Former athletes and coaches, including Seun Ogunkoya, Adura Olalehin, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Godfrey Oboabona, Joe Aribo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Lawrence Adegbehingbe, Chukwuma Akabueze, Dotun Omoniyi, former Super Falcons captain Kikelomo Ajayi and Joshua Ogunbiyi, were also honoured.
Institutions and organisations, including OSRC Media Group, the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation (OSPPC), the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA), also received awards.
Speaking at the event, SWAN National President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, commended the Ondo State Chapter for recognising individuals who had contributed to the growth of sports in the state over the past five decades.
Benjamin, who was represented by SWAN Vice-President, South-West, Mr Ayodeji Ogunsakin, described the Ondo chapter as one of the most vibrant in the country.
“I urge the state chairman and his executives to continue the good work they are doing. We are very proud of Ondo State,” he said.
The SWAN Chairman in Ondo State, Segun Giwa, said the awards were designed to preserve the history of sports in the state and recognise individuals whose sacrifices and achievements had contributed to its development.
Giwa noted that many of the state’s sporting heroes achieved success despite inadequate facilities and limited resources.
He urged the government to provide functional sporting facilities, competent coaches, regular competitions, welfare packages and medical support for athletes, while strengthening sports associations at the grassroots.
“As Ondo State celebrates 50 years of creation, SWAN felt strongly that the story of Ondo at 50 would be incomplete without properly documenting and celebrating the contribution of sports to the development and identity of the state,” Giwa said.
He noted that athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, journalists, families and other stakeholders had played important roles in building the state’s sporting heritage.
Giwa also commended the state government for its efforts to reposition the State Sports Council, particularly the appointment of a new board and plans to restructure the council and improve the welfare of athletes and coaches.
Representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the government would partner with SWAN to promote sporting activities in the state.
Adeniyan said the awards provided another opportunity to celebrate people who had contributed to the development of Ondo State.
The chairman of the occasion and Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, congratulated the awardees and praised SWAN for recognising their contributions.
Poroye, who was represented by OSOPADEC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Olujimi Kufo, said sports could be used to promote youth development, social integration, employment and economic empowerment.
He said OSOPADEC would focus on identifying and nurturing young talents, supporting grassroots sports and exploring the links between sports, tourism and the Blue Economy, particularly in riverine and coastal communities.
Poroye urged the government, private sector, sports associations and the media to create an enabling environment for athletes and called on the awardees to mentor younger talents.
Former Governor Mimiko, represented by Mr Tunde Atere, also commended SWAN for recognising his administration’s contribution to sports development.
He recalled that during Mimiko’s administration, Sunshine Stars Football Club made consecutive appearances in continental competitions, while Sunshine Queens won the national Federation Cup.
Receiving his award, Ambassador Oluwateru thanked SWAN for the recognition, noting that it was the third time the association had honoured him.
He said the award would encourage him to do more for sports development, particularly football, in Ondo State.
The awardees expressed appreciation to SWAN for recognising their contributions and sacrifices to the development of sports in the state.
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