As part of his administration’s efforts to boost youth and human capital development, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has officially turned the sod for the construction of a 900-seat capacity indoor sports hall in Ado Ekiti.
The project, located behind the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, is one of the flagship initiatives commemorating the governor’s second year in office.
Addressing the gathering at the event, Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the sports complex would serve as a hub for discovering global talent, with a broader goal of creating job opportunities for residents and nurturing athletes who will bring glory to Ekiti State and Nigeria.
“This hall will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and the best coaches to train athletes in various sports, underscoring our administration’s commitment to fostering sports excellence in the state”. He said.
He pointed out that the development aligns with his broader vision for youth empowerment and development, a core part of his administration’s agenda.
Governor Oyebanji lauded the Ekiti sports community for their perseverance, noting that despite challenges, they have consistently brought honour to the state, saying their commitment and resilience have not gone unnoticed, as the government will continue to support them.
Mr Oyebanji also urged athletes not to leave the state in search of better opportunities elsewhere, assuring them of his administration’s dedication to their welfare and overall satisfaction.
He assured them that he would continue to create avenues that would make them proud to represent Ekiti, pledging his full support to ensure that the contractor delivers the project in the scheduled 12 months.
The Technical Advisor on Sports to the Governor, Mrs. Olusola Osetoba, expressed her appreciation for Oyebanji’s transformative role in repositioning sports in Ekiti.
She revealed that the new indoor sports hall would cater for basketball, volleyball, badminton and other indoor sports, all adhering to international standards.
“This facility will empower our youth, promote healthy lifestyles, attract investors, and generate employment.
Ekiti is on course to becoming a centre of sporting excellence under Oyebanji’s leadership”. she noted.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State House Assembly Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, in his goodwill message, commended the governor for prioritizing sports development.
He expressed the belief that the initiative would help curb social vices among the youth by engaging them in productive activities, adding that the indoor sports hall is expected to be a vital addition to Ekiti State’s sporting infrastructure, placing the state on the national and international map for athletic excellence.
The contractor handling the project, Engr. Adeola Adenuga assured the government and the public of delivering a high-quality facility within 12 months.
Present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioner for Youth, Mr Adedayo Gold, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode, SA to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez and other prominent cabinet members.
