Olaolu Fawole
Oyo state government says it will go back to the grassroots to discover sports talents for the state.
The state commissioner for youth and sports, Mr. Seun Fakorede made this known while speaking with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in his office.
According to Mr. Fakorede, the ministry of youth and sports believes in discovering raw talents for the state’s owned football clubs and there are plans to refine grassroots sports competitions such as Governor’s and Principal’s cup football competitions to be able to tap the talents in their raw forms.
While recalling the good old days of 3SC, the sports commissioner explained that all the potentials were discovered locally, noting that the present administration had decided to return to the pattern.
“There are times that what we need is around us, so we are going back to the roots to revitalize sports because that is where we will see raw talents and we believe in their potentials,” Fakorede told SWAN.
The youth commissioner who disclosed that the state was not owing any of its Athletes’ allowances, expressed optimism that the state’s contingent will shine at the forthcoming National Sports Festival coming up next month in Edo State.
On the ongoing remodeling of Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Mr. Fakorede said the project was well planned to give the state sporting sector a facelift and to attract that income generation through sports.
He hinted that modalities had been put in place to ensure proper maintenance of the stadium after completion.
“We are building people in Oyo state that will build sports and facilities, and as much we are spending on the stadium, we are also spending wisely on Institutions that will maintain the stadium the way it ought to be maintained”
The Oyo state sports commissioner disclosed that the completion of the stadium would enable the state to host national and International Sports Competitions.
