Dr. Olusola Osetoba, the Technical Advisor for Sports Development to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, confidently declared that the sporting glory of Ekiti State is set to rise during the recent unveiling of two professional coaches for the state’s football teams.
The event took place on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the Kayode Oluyemi Stadium in Ado Ekiti.
The unveiling ceremony marked a significant milestone for sports development in Ekiti as Dr. Osetoba introduced Akin Olowookere as the Head Coach of Ekiti United Football Club and Jacob Vandy as the Head Coach of Queens Football Club. Both coaches will lead their respective technical crews, aiming to elevate the performance and competitiveness of the teams.
During her address, Dr. Osetoba praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to sports in the state. “With the support and vision of Governor Oyebanji, we are laying the groundwork for excellence in sports. The engagement of these professional coaches signifies a new era for our football clubs, and I am confident that under their leadership, we will see a transformation that will bring pride to Ekiti State,” she stated.
Dr. Osetoba emphasized the importance of structured training, mentorship, and grassroots involvement in nurturing future talents. She reiterated the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure that both football clubs succeed in their missions and contribute positively to the state’s sports ecosystem.
The introduction of Akin Olowookere and Jacob Vandy is seen as a strategic move to enhance athletes’ skills and create a robust competitive environment. Their proven track records in football coaching make them ideal leaders to take Ekiti United and Queens Football Club to new heights.
Dr. Osetoba concluded by urging the people of Ekiti to rally behind their teams, expressing her belief that with teamwork and community support, the state’s sporting glory will indeed rise.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Governor by Hon. Akin Oyebode, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for the growth of sports in the state. He assured that the state government would provide the necessary resources and infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of the Kayode Oluyemi Stadium, to ensure that Ekiti athletes and teams excel at both national and international levels.
The Governor also called on the Office of Sports Development to engage corporate sponsors to bolster their activities, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the state’s sports sector.
With high expectations for improved performance and recognition on the larger sports stage, this strategic move by the Ekiti State Government ushers in a new era for sports in the state.
The sporting event was graced by the Chairman, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Sport, Stakeholders in Sports Development and a team from the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism led by Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre.
