The Osun State Government, led by the visionary and dynamic Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, is embarking on a transformative journey to revitalize the sports industry in the State. Our goal is to shape a prosperous future for our people and elevate sports performance at every level, from grassroots initiatives to elite athletes. We also aim to improve our sports facilities to provide better opportunities for our youth.
We are particularly concerned about the state of the Osogbo Township Stadium, which is supposed to be the flagship sports facility in the State Capital. By improving our sports facilities, we can encourage our youth to engage in different kinds of sports and keep them off the streets.
This administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sports development in the past few months. We have made key investments in various facets of the sports industry, including sponsoring the State contingent to the last National Sports Festival in Asaba. We have also supported the State-owned football clubs, Osun United Football Club and Osun Babes Football Club.
1. Sport Facilities Upgrade
We plan to comprehensively upgrade sports facilities across the State. This includes improving sports facilities in zones such as Iwo, Ilesha, Ile-Ife, Osogbo, Ilesa Orangun, Ede, Ejigbo, and more. Our aim is to ensure that athletes have access to top-notch facilities.
2. Osun State Games Village
We will restructure the Osun State Games Village located between Ijebu-Jesa and Ijeda in Oriade local government area. This facility will serve as a hub for athlete training and preparation, as well as hosting various competitions, further solidifying Osun State’s status as a sports powerhouse.
3. Osun State Sports Trust Fund
The government is set to launch the Osun State Sports Trust Fund. This initiative will encourage multinational companies, private organizations, and philanthropic individuals to partner with the government and provide vital resources to further develop the sports industry.
4. Osun State Sports Commission
The government will establish the Osun State Sports Commission, which will be entrusted with strengthening sports governance, transparency, and control in the management of sports in the State. This concept has been successful in states like Delta, Kano, Lagos, Kwara, and Ekiti.
5. Adoption of Sports by Each Local Government
To ensure equitable facilitation of sports development efforts, each of the thirty (30) Local Government offices in Osun State will adopt and sponsor a specific sport or game within their domain. This collaborative approach will promote sports across the entire state.
6. Re-introduction of the Governor’s Cup
We will stimulate the re-introduction of the intercollegiate games and the principal cup for students and youth under a public-private partnership arrangement.
7. Reward System
The government is committed to recruiting and training the best administrators, coaches, and athletes. We will financially reward them based on performance and establish an annual sports award to motivate them. Experienced coaches will also be reabsorbed on a contract basis with competitive remuneration packages.
8. Merit-Based Appointment
Governor Adeleke’s administration is committed to meritocracy in appointments covering sports administrators and other related positions. Individuals will be selected based on their experience, knowledge, and skills.
9. Restructuring State-Owned Football Clubs
The government is working on the restructuring and rebranding of the two state-owned football clubs: Osun United FC and Osun Babes FC. The new management of the clubs will soon be inaugurated to replace the interim management.
10. Physical Fitness and Dance Sports for All
We will introduce a physical fitness and dance sports program every month to improve the health and physical fitness of our citizens. Dancing is part of our culture and brings good social interactions, improving the socio-economic situation of our people.
11. Absorption of Contract Coaches
We will normalize the appointment of contract coaches to ensure their continued contribution to sports development.
12. Encouraging Physically Challenged Individuals
We will encourage physically challenged individuals to be involved in sports to discover their God-given talents.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, our government is committed to ushering in a new era of sports excellence, accountability, and inclusivity. These strategic initiatives will benefit athletes, inspire the community, and encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle through sports. Thank you for your attention.
