Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, has restated the present administration’s desire to raise the standard of sports, to further pave way for the much needed fillip for the sector to thrive.
Hon. Isiaka, made this known, while playing hosts to executive members of Ogun State Football Association, led by its Chairman, Alh. Ganiyu Majekodunmi, at the Conference Room of the Ministry in Abeokuta.
He noted that the agency was making effort to develop sports at the grassroots, just as it was working in collaboration with private organisations to provide opportunities for the boundless talented athletes in the state, as well as promote a culture of excellence and spirit of sportsmanship.
The Commissioner also revealed that the state would harness the prospects in football to inspire and empower the youth, in order to foster national unity and control social vices, saying football holds a special place in the heart of citizens, not only in the state, but the world over.
“I believe our partnership and collaboration holds the potential to transform the landscape of football in Ogun State. I am dedicated to supporting your efforts in your pursuit of success, both on and off the pitch’’.
“Our collective vision is to see our football flourish and we are fully committed to working hand in hand with the Federation to make that vision a reality. It is important to explore how we can collaborate and leverage on our respective strengths to advance sports development in the state”, he said.
Earlier, Alh. Majekodunmi said a symbiotic relationship must exist between government and other sponsors to leverage the sport, stressing the need to resuscitate school sports like the Governor’s Cup, Oba’s Cup, among others, which had been the bedrock of a solid sports structure.
He called on the Ministry to synergise with the state’s Football Association to discourage illegal football activities in the state, thereby providing a solid platform that would focus on a formidable football ecosystem.
