Friends and associates of the Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Council, Coach Oladimeji Abimbola, have donated medical equipment and drugs worth millions of naira to the council’s clinic.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ondo State chapter, Comrade Frederick Akinrinlola, who donated the items, described Abimbola’s appointment as a case of a “round peg in a round hole”.
He commended the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for appointing Abimbola as chairman of the Sports Council, noting that his practical experience and understanding of sports administration made him suitable for the position.
“Today, we are donating these equipment and drugs because of our man, who happens to be the chairman of the Sports Council.
“This is the first time the government has got it right by appointing someone who understands the rudiments of sports and has practical experience in the games,” he said.
Akinrinlola urged staff of the Sports Council to remain united and give the chairman the necessary support to enable him to continue his good work.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo, whom he commended for his vision and support.
“When he was the NULGE president, he established clinics in all 18 local government areas of the state,” Akinrinlola said.
He added that the donation was made possible by the enabling environment provided by the state government.
“We cannot do this without the support of the captain of our EASE, the Governor of Ondo State. He has given us an enabling environment to thrive, which is why we can give back to society,” he said.
Speaking at the presentation, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union matter, comrade Bola Taiwo described Abimbola as a dutiful, reliable and dependable person who was passionate about the development and transformation of the Sports Council.
He explained that the donation followed discussions with Abimbola on ways to improve the council’s facilities and services.
“We were in my office discussing how this place could move forward. He told us that he wanted to equip the council’s clinic with medical equipment and drugs. Immediately, the NULGE president said he would take care of it, and here we are today, donating the items,” he said.
Taiwo recalled that an earlier visit to the clinic had revealed a lack of basic medical equipment and drugs, expressing satisfaction that the situation was being addressed.
“When we visited the clinic, we could not see any equipment or drugs there. We were not happy with the state of the clinic, but we thank God that things have changed today,” he added.
In his response, Abimbola thanked the donors for their generosity and assured them that the donated items would be properly maintained.
“We will maintain the equipment and ensure that the necessary drugs are replaced as they are used,” he said.
The chairman stressed the importance of medical services in sports, explaining that equipping the clinic was one of his priorities.
“Medical care is a very important aspect of sports. That is why I made it a priority. I was told that the clinic had never been equipped like this since its establishment,” he said.
Abimbola reaffirmed his commitment to working with individuals, corporate organisations and well-meaning members of society to restore Ondo State to its rightful position in Nigerian sports.
“Government cannot do it alone. We need people to join hands with us to transform the Sports Council. On our part, we will continue to reach out to people to support the development of this place,” he said.