Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji said his administration will give a facelift to four stadia in the state.
Governor Oyebanji stated this during a reception for the athletes who participated at the recently concluded 2023 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
The Governor apologised to the state’s athletes over the shabby manner they were treated by the Ekiti State Sports Council officials.
Governor Oyebanji added that the bill for the establishment of the state’s sports commission recently signed by the state House of Assembly would be passed within two weeks.
He said, “The Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, as well as other stadia in Ikere, Ijero and Ikole, would soon be given facelift. My administration would leave no stone unturned in its quest to maximise the potential of young talents in sports and other fields.
“I apologise to all Ekiti indigenes for the embarrassment caused by the sports council officials to all of us and I hope you accept my apology but I can assure you that justice will be served.
“As a government, we tried our best to provide for you, but the officials, for reasons best known to them, decided to act inappropriately. As a government, I accept responsibility for this, not because I support those who decided to act in ways and manners that have brought embarrassment to you and to all Ekiti indigenes all over the world, but as the Governor of Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji said, “I know you were not well-fed there. I have photos of where you slept, but I thank God it happened. If it had not happened, we would not have paid attention to you. In adversities, there are lessons. What happened has strengthened our resolve to reposition sports in the state.
“We are going to pay special attention to sports and the vehicle we are going to use is the sports commission, adding that “efforts are in top gear to set up indoor games centres in the state next year,” he concluded.
Governor Oyebanji also assured the athletes and coaches at the Youth Games that they would get cash rewards, and hailed his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and the wife of former Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, for their intervention and invaluable contributions towards coming to the aid of the athletes in Asaba.
Ekiti State won a total of seven medals consisting of two gold, two silver and three bronze at the 2023 National Youth Games.
