The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has honoured 50 sports personalities, administrators, media organisations and institutions for their contributions to the development and promotion of sports in the state.
The recipients were honoured at the “Ondo 50 Sports Icons Award” held in Akure as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.
Among those recognised were former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye; former Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola; Ondo State Football Association Chairman, Otunba Dele Ajayi; and former Deputy Governor of the state, Ambassador Oluwateru.
Former athletes and coaches, including Seun Ogunkoya, Adura Olalehin, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Godfrey Oboabona, Joe Aribo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Lawrence Adegbehingbe, Chukwuma Akabueze, Dotun Omoniyi and Joshua Ogunbiyi, were also honoured.
Institutions and organisations, including OSRC Media Group, the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation (OSPPC), the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), also received awards.
Speaking at the event, SWAN National President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, commended the Ondo State chapter for recognising individuals who had contributed to the growth of sports in the state over the past five decades.
Benjamin, who was represented by SWAN Vice-President, South-West, Mr Ayodeji Ogunsakin, described the Ondo chapter as one of the most vibrant in the country.
“I urge the state chairman and his executives to continue the good work they are doing. We are very proud of Ondo State,” he said.
The SWAN Chairman in Ondo State, Segun Giwa, said the awards were designed to preserve the history of sports in the state and recognise those whose sacrifices and achievements had contributed to its development.
Giwa said many of the state’s sporting heroes achieved success despite inadequate facilities and limited resources.
He urged the government to provide functional sporting facilities, competent coaches, regular competitions, welfare packages and medical support for athletes, while strengthening sports associations at the grassroots.
“As Ondo State celebrates 50 years of creation, SWAN felt strongly that the story of Ondo at 50 would be incomplete without properly documenting and celebrating the contribution of sports to the development and identity of the state,” Giwa said.
He noted that athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, journalists, families and other stakeholders had played important roles in building the state’s sporting heritage.
Giwa also commended the state government for its efforts to reposition the State Sports Council, particularly the appointment of a new board and plans to restructure the council and improve the welfare of athletes and coaches.
Representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the government would partner with SWAN to promote sporting activities in the state.
Adeniyan said the awards provided another opportunity to celebrate people who had contributed to the development of Ondo State.
The chairman of the occasion and Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, congratulated the awardees and praised SWAN for recognising their contributions.
Poroye, who was represented by OSOPADEC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Olujimi Kufo, said sports could be used to promote youth development, social integration, employment and economic empowerment.
He said OSOPADEC would focus on identifying and nurturing young talents, supporting grassroots sports and exploring the links between sports, tourism and the Blue Economy, particularly in riverine and coastal communities.
Poroye urged the government, private sector, sports associations and the media to create an enabling environment for athletes and called on the awardees to mentor younger talents.
Former Governor Mimiko, represented by Mr Tunde Atere, also commended SWAN for recognising his administration’s contribution to sports development.
He recalled that during Mimiko’s administration, Sunshine Stars Football Club made consecutive appearances in continental competitions, while Sunshine Queens won the national Federation Cup.
Receiving his award, Ambassador Oluwateru thanked SWAN for the recognition, noting that it was the third time the association had honoured him.
He said the award would encourage him to do more for sports development, particularly football, in Ondo State.
The awardees expressed appreciation to SWAN for recognising their contributions and sacrifices to the development of sports in the state.