In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing sports sector in Osun State, the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Sports, Prince Kola Adewusi, announced an extensive sports development plan of the Senator Ademola Adeleke-led administration.
Adewusi made the plans known during a press conference at the Governor’s office on Friday.
The initiative, according to him, is designed to transform sports at every level, starting from grassroots programmes to supporting elite athletes and placing strong emphasis on enhancing sports facilities and promoting inclusivity.
One of the primary concerns addressed by the Commissioner was the condition of the Osogbo Township Stadium, which is slated for a significant upgrade. This flagship facility will be central to the state’s efforts to rejuvenate sports.
He said, “Over the past few months, the government has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sports development. Notable achievements include sponsoring the state contingent to the National Sports Festival in Asaba and providing substantial support to state-owned football clubs, most notably the Osun United Football Club, which recently secured promotion to the Nigeria National League.
The Deputy Governor stressed the importance of diversifying sports beyond just football. He highlighted that “many other sports with great potential can flourish with the proper support and resources. This approach aims to make the state’s sports scene more diverse and inclusive, offering athletes in various sports the opportunity to excel and proudly represent Osun State on a broader sporting stage.
To realize the vision of a thriving sports and entertainment industry, the state government has outlined several strategic steps, including upgrading sports facilities, hosting the Osun State Games, establishing the Osun State Sports Trust Fund and Osun State Sports Commission, encouraging local government involvement in sports, reintroducing the Governor’s Cup, implementing a reward system, making merit-based appointments, supporting state-owned football clubs, promoting physical fitness and dance sports, absorbing contract coaches, and including physically challenged individuals in sports initiatives.
The government also spoke on its readiness to absorb coaches who have been on contract and earning peanuts into the system and turn them into staff, thereby improving their welfare package and other remuneration.