Ekiti sports development gets boost as APC youth leader lauds Osetoba, Oyebanji

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

 

 

Sports development in Ekiti State received a fresh endorsement on Friday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leader for Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Nicholas Oyinlade, commended the Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, for driving visible improvements across the sector.

Oyinlade gave the praise during a press conference at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, where he highlighted recent upgrades in sports facilities and programmes as evidence of purposeful leadership and effective coordination.

According to him, the renewed focus on sports infrastructure and administration under Dr. Osetoba has begun to reposition Ekiti as a fertile ground for talent discovery and youth participation. 

He noted that grassroots sports, in particular, have received significant attention, creating new opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.

“The ongoing upgrades at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium and reforms within the sports administration show a clear commitment to building a sustainable system,” Oyinlade said. 

“This is a structure that can support young talents from the grassroots all the way to the professional stage.”

He further explained that Dr. Osetoba’s hands-on approach, marked by regular engagement with coaches, youth groups and community sports clubs has boosted confidence in the direction of sports development in the state. 

He added that policies are no longer just on paper but are being practically implemented to achieve real impact.

Describing sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, Oyinlade said the current initiatives have the potential to curb youth restiveness by opening pathways to education, employment and wider exposure for young people across Ekiti.

He also reserved special praise for the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Abiodun Oyebanji, stressing that the strides recorded in the sports sector would not have been possible without the governor’s consistent support.

Oyinlade noted that the state government has continued to prioritise sports as a key component of its youth empowerment agenda, providing policy direction and funding support to back the ongoing reforms.

He concluded by expressing optimism with Governor Oyebanji’s backing and Dr. Osetoba’s continued coordination, the recent developments in Ekiti State’s sports sector will deliver long-term benefits and produce a new generation of successful athletes.