Sports: SWAN Task Aiyedatiwa on Sports Development

The Ondo State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed concerns over the deteriorating state of the Akure Township Stadium and other sporting facilities across the state,urging the state government to ensure the timely completion of the ongoing renovation of the stadium and intervention on others.

SWAN noted that the situation contributed to the relegation of Sunshine Stars FC from the top tier as the team and Sunshine Queens were been forced to play home matches outside the state due to the poor state of the stadium.

The association in a communique issued at the end of its meeting held in Akure over the weekend and signed by Chairman and secretary of communique Issue committee, Tosin Ajuwon and Olabisi Longe respectively  echoed the frustrations of sports enthusiasts in the state who are disheartened by the stadium’s deterioration.

SWAN urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to personally visit the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, to assess the situation firsthand and ensure a genuine commitment to revitalizing the state’s sporting infrastructure.

The communique read; “The Congress began by commending the current State Executive Council of SWAN, led by Chairman Mr. Segun Giwa and Secretary Mr. Joseph Adesuyan, for their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of members of the association.

“Congress lauded the Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for its continued support of sports development, especially for sponsoring athletes to the recently concluded 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

“The association expressed dissatisfaction with the overall performance of the state contingent at the last National Sports Festival and therefore called for early and comprehensive preparations for the upcoming 23rd National Sports Festival scheduled for Enugu State next year.

“Congress applauded the athletes who participated in the 22nd National Sports Festival for their passion and determination in overcoming challenges to win medals for the state against all odds.

“Despite the inadequate sports facilities and training equipment in the state, Congress acknowledged and appreciated the relentless efforts of the coaching crew and sports officials who ensured athletes performed admirably under difficult conditions.

“Congress expressed deep concern over the dilapidated state of the Akure Township Stadium, which forced the state football teams — Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens — to play home matches outside the state, a situation that contributed to the relegation of Sunshine Stars FC from the top tier.

While recognizing the State Government’s initial initiative to renovate the stadium, Congress noted with disappointment that renovation works, especially on the football pitch and other essential amenities, have drastically slowed down or been completely abandoned.

“Congress echoed the frustrations of sports enthusiasts in the state who are disheartened by the stadium’s deterioration and urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to personally visit the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, to assess the situation firsthand and ensure a genuine commitment to revitalizing the state’s sporting infrastructure.

“The association called on the state government to resume construction work on the abandoned new stadium at Araromi in Akure without further delay as the state since creation could not boast of a state-owned stadium

While SWAN urge the state government at appointing seasoned and effective personnel with sports background to man all the sporting institutions across the state.