Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, has inaugurated five sports courts for Abula, beach volleyball, handball, basketball and volleyball at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The project is part of efforts by the state government to improve sporting facilities, promote youth engagement and create a conducive environment for athletes to develop their talents.
The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Union Matters,Mr Bola Taiwo, described the project as a significant development, which would be spread across the sporting zones of the state.
Aiyedatiwa said that more sporting facilities would be provided under the present administration.
He noted that the project had been awarded some time ago but suffered delays before the appointment of the current Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Council, Oladimeji Abimbola.
Aiyedatiwa said he was happy with the work Abimbolab had been doing since his appointment as a professional to lead the council, noting that the decision had helped to accelerate work at the complex.
According to him, Abimbola invited contractors back to site shortly after assuming office, resulting in visible improvements within a short period.
“This is just the beginning. Within a short period, you will see a lot of things happening here.
“We learnt that most of these athletes are not full staff and have not been given employment. We will look at what we can do to employ them so that we can have more goals,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said his administration was working hard and committed to the development of the state, adding that the government remained determined to improve sporting facilities.
He also appealed to the governor to consider employing athletes who were not yet full staff of the state government.
Also speaking, Mr Jide Oguntodu, Chairman of the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, commended Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to sports development and youth welfare.
Oguntodu, who said he had chaired the committee for over three years, described the newly inaugurated facilities as evidence of the government’s commitment to engaging young people productively.
He said the state government was working to ensure that the Sports Complex had the facilities required to compete with other states in sporting activities.
“As a son of the soil, I was born here and participated in some sporting activities while in secondary school.
“What I am seeing here is beautiful, and I assure you that if the governor has done this, he will do more,” he said.
In his remarks, Abimbola said he was familiar with the challenges facing the Sports Council before his appointment, having spent 16 years at the complex and built his coaching career there.
He said his experience had prepared him to address the challenges and create a conducive environment for athletes to thrive.
“I am ready to correct all the mistakes so that the place can move forward, which will help us to have a conducive environment,” he said.
Abimbola emphasised the importance of motivating athletes, saying the council had begun implementing measures to improve their welfare.
“In sports, when you motivate them, they are going to do better. It is about motivation, and we have started that already. Our athletes are going to enjoy this time around,” he said.
The chairman said the council would continue to prioritise athletes’ welfare and motivation to improve their performance.