By Kanu Samuel
The Acting General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council (OSSC), Evelyn Lebi, on Monday resumed duties with a pledge to prioritise the revival of grassroots sports development across the state.
Lebi made this known in an interview with sports writers at her office in Akure shortly after officially assuming office as the council’s number one administrator.
Her appointment was earlier announced in January through a letter signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip. She was warmly received by the management and staff of the council amid a colourful welcome.
While appreciating the state governor and the Commissioner for Sports for the confidence reposed in her, Lebi assured staff and management of an open-door policy, stressing her commitment to inclusive decision-making.
According to her, the revival of sports in the state can only be achieved by increasing the pool of athletes, particularly by discovering and nurturing young talents from the grassroots.
She emphasised the need to strengthen zonal offices across the state, noting that sports development must go beyond Akure.
“Sports is now a global business; it is no longer just entertainment. Our youths are naturally talented, but if we don’t go to the grassroots to discover and nurture them, how do we build champions?” she said.
Lebi recalled her early sports career, stating that athletes were previously camped in Akure after being discovered at the grassroots level, a system she plans to revive.
She also stressed the importance of providing adequate equipment for talent discovery and development, while assuring that more personnel would be deployed to zonal offices to enhance effectiveness.
“We cannot concentrate competitions in Akure alone. By empowering zonal offices, improving welfare, and encouraging coaches, we can ensure that athletes are discovered in schools and communities across the state,” she explained.
The Acting GM appealed to staff, coaches, and athletes to cooperate with her administration, describing them as the engine room of sports development.
“I cannot do this alone.
Together, we can reposition sports in Ondo State and take it to greater heights in line with government policy,” she added.
Lebi noted that her appointment was based on her experience and exposure, assuring that she would work tirelessly to reposition sports in the state and return it to its glory days.
A former hockey player, Lebi has served as secretary of the Wrestling, Table Tennis, Scrabble, and Traditional Sports Associations.
Until her appointment, she was the Director of Sports in the Ondo State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
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