Ibadan Ready for Big Sporting Events – Gov Makinde
By Adewale Owoade
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed his administration’s commitment to sports development, highlighting the state’s progress in developing its sports economy over the past six years.
Gov Makinde made these remarks while declaring open the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Ibadan.
Gov Makinde stated that his government’s support from the NFF and other sports bodies has enabled it to rebuild sports infrastructure and put in place the right structures, attracting national and international sporting activities to Oyo State. He declared that Ibadan is now equipped to host big sporting events, including Super Eagles matches.
The governor appealed to the NFF to ensure that the state’s sporting facilities are checked and supported, promising to commit resources to ensure they are in proper shape for such events.
The governor said: “On behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, I really want to thank the NFF president and your executive committee members for your interest in Oyo State.
“Yes, we are trying to develop a sports economy here, but if you don’t have the support or you don’t have the pressure from people like yourselves, some of our efforts will just go in vain.
“So, we are happy that today you brought your Annual General Assembly to Oyo State. And we are also happy that you brought the match we are going to watch this afternoon between the Nigeria U-20 women and the Rwanda U-20 women.
“And, as I mentioned when we were having breakfast this morning, Ibadan wants to have the opportunity to host big events – Super Eagles. So, let them check out our facilities, and whatever we need to do, I give you the promise that we will put the necessary resources in there.”
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, commended Gov Makinde for his support for sports development in Oyo State, including the remodeling of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex and support for the Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC).
He assured that the Super Eagles would soon play in Ibadan.
“Let me, on behalf of the Nigerian Football Federation Executive Committee, as well as the entire Congress, and indeed the football stakeholders of this great country, thank you immensely for what you have been doing for sports, especially football in Oyo State, since when you came on board as the Governor of Oyo State about six years and some months ago.
“Everybody knows that Oyo used to be the home of football and that Governor Seyi Makinde is an avid football fan. If you are with him and he gives you some history of how far he has gone in the support of football, you will not believe it.
“This was why when we saw what he was doing in the area of sports, especially football, we were not surprised. We talked about remodelling the stadium, which he did. He also did all he could to revive 3SC.
“Very soon, and by the grace of God, the people of Oyo State will see the Super Eagles playing Ibadan, courtesy of their own support and contribution.”
On the entourage of Governor Makinde were the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni;
Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (Rtd).
