By Isaac Afolabi
Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye has assured members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State chapter of more collaboration to reposition sports at all levels.
Mr Yusuf-Ogunleye made the position known while playing host to the executive members of Ondo SWAN, led by the Chairman, Mr Segun Giwa to his office in Akure, Ondo State Capital.
The sports commissioner thanked SWAN members for their support and belief in the restructuring process to reposition the state-owned teams and athletes for better performance in competitions both at home and abroad.
He assured that the welfare of members of the sports fraternity will be looked into and also carry them along and be partners in progress.
He said, “I want to thank you for your support. I am in touch with your chairman regularly to see how we can promote the image of this office and to let people know what we are also going through.
“Change is difficult but we must take steps. Sunshine Stars is number 18 now, the question I ask is how did we get here and how do we get out? We are taking steps and I hope and pray we get it right at the end of the day.”
While expressing dissatisfaction with the state of welfare of athletes in Ondo state, he assured that adequate reward and recognition will be given to athletes who have made the state proud to serve as encouragement.
“We will not do anything without involving SWAN in the state. I want to assure you that we will look at the welfare of athletes. I have discussed this with the General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council. We must present these outstanding athletes to the Governor for recognition to encourage others.
” I am not going to be commissioner for ODSFA or commissioner for football alone. I am commissioner for all sports and will ensure we partner with you for inclusiveness.”
The sports commissioner said a committee will be set up involving both the FA and Ondo SWAN which will jointly constitute the associations assuring that competent hands will be recruited to get the right results.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman SWAN in Ondo State, Mr Segun Giwa, appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for appointing Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye as youths and sports commissioner describing it as a round peg in a right hole.
Mr Giwa appreciated the efforts of the sports commissioner at repositioning the state-owned teams and implored him to look into the welfare of SWAN members calling for an upward review of monies allotted to boost the morale of members in subsequent matches.
The chairman implored the commissioner to ensure that more is done to encourage the athletes and prepare them ahead of the National sports festivals scheduled to hold in Ogun State.
” I want to appreciate Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for bringing you back to sanitize sports in Ondo State. I also want to appreciate your efforts at repositioning Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens for better performance and I am still calling for more to ensure that Sunshine Stars do not go on relegation”.
“I want to admonish the commissioner to please ensure that there are award recognitions for outstanding athletes to encourage others”.
In attendance: Vice Chairman Isaac Afolabi, Secretary, Joseph Adesuyan, Assistant General Secretary Eniola Olurankinse, Financial Secretary Femi Atolagbe, Treasurer, Gbenga Oluwajana
Others are the Former Chairman of SWAN in Ondo State and Sports Administrator, Mr Akintunde Akinsemola, Former Caretaker Chairman of Ondo SWAN, Femi Dario and Member, Adewale Bashir