By Kanu Samuel
Newly inaugurated President of the Ondo State Football Veterans All Stars, Rafiu Yusuf, has pledged to transform the association into a respected and viable platform for retired footballers and other stakeholders in the state.
Yusuf made the pledge during the inauguration of the association’s newly elected executives held at the Ondo State Sports Council Multipurpose Hall in Akure.
Speaking at the event, the former Sunshine Stars player said his emergence as president was the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition backed by a clear development agenda for the association.
“I have been looking for the opportunity to lead this noble association for a long time, and I thank God that the opportunity has finally come,” Yusuf said.
“I already have a blueprint and agenda for the association, which is why implementation alongside my executive members will be easier.”
He disclosed that the new leadership had already secured an office and a restaurant for members’ use, describing the achievement as unprecedented in the history of the Ondo State Football Veterans All Stars.
According to him, the administration would also introduce developmental programmes, including seminars on healthy living and self-sustainability for retired footballers.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Yusuf added.
He appealed to members to support the new executive in order to move the association forward.
“The executive cannot do it alone. We must all come together as one big family to move the association to an enviable position,” he said.
Secretary of the association, Oluwafemi Filegbe, also assured members that the leadership would remain committed to repositioning the body through impactful initiatives.
“We are going to expand the scope of the association with positive developmental ideas that will have a direct impact on our members,” he said.
Filegbe added that the association would play an active role in football development across Ondo State by supporting local clubs and academies.
“We are going to support Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens by mobilising our members to come out in large numbers not only to watch them, but also to support, cheer and motivate the teams in our own little way,” he said.
“We will make our voices heard in the state and beyond as far as football development is concerned.”
General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Lebi, congratulated the association on what she described as a smooth transition of leadership.
Represented by the council’s Deputy Director of Coaches, Mrs Ada Anthony, Lebi commended members for the orderly conduct displayed throughout the event and urged veterans in other sports to emulate the initiative by forming similar groups.
“After retiring from active sports, coming together to keep fit, laugh, grow old together and share old memories will help keep us youthful,” she said.
“We will continue to support the Veterans All Stars as their hosts.”
A senior stakeholder in the association, Barrister Olusola Oke, advised the new executives to maintain an open-door policy and remain focused on their objectives.
“Remain focused on your core agenda for the association and do not be distracted. I am with you and will support the developmental programmes of the new administration,” he said.
The event concluded with a friendly match between the Ondo State Football Veterans All Stars and Ijesha Soccer Ambassadors, which ended 3-1 in favour of the visitors. Yusuf scored the hosts’ consolation goal.
The newly inaugurated executives include Rafiu Yusuf as President, Gbenga Agbaje as Vice President, Oluwafemi Filegbe as General Secretary, Fredrick Dayo as Financial Secretary, Ogbu Kalu as Treasurer, Omojowo Olaniyi as Team Manager, AbdulRahman Abdulsalam as Team Captain, Segun Okelola as Public Relations Officer, and Sheriff Adelokun as Task Force Officer.
+ There are no comments
Add yours