We wish to address the recent allegations made by Osun Defender concerning the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, who also serves as the Commissioner for Sports, and his role in the sports development efforts within the state. As senior officials of the Osun State Sports Council, we are compelled to set the record straight and provide clarity on the substantial progress made in the sports sector under his leadership, contrary to the claims made in the publication.
- Deputy Governor’s Commitment to Sports Development:
Prince Kola Adewusi has been a tireless advocate for the growth and transformation of sports in Osun State, fully aligning with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s agenda for sports sector reform. His leadership has resulted in several groundbreaking initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Constitution of the Osun State Sports Commission Committee:
A monumental step towards reform, the constitution of this committee will lead to the creation of a Sports Commission to oversee and professionalize sports administration in Osun State. The bill will soon be forwarded to the House of Assembly, which marks the first significant stride in sports governance for the state. - Proposal for the Osun State Sports Trust Fund:
To ensure sustainable funding for sports in Osun, the Deputy Governor has spearheaded the proposal for a sports trust fund. This initiative will attract private investments and reduce the financial burden on the state government, ensuring that various sports disciplines receive adequate funding and support. - Hosting of the Zonal Elimination for the National Youth Games:
For the first time in the state’s history, Osun successfully hosted the zonal eliminations for the National Youth Games. This achievement demonstrates the Deputy Governor’s commitment to promoting youth sports and providing platforms for young athletes to shine on a national stage. - Approval for the Construction of an Ultra-Modern Stadium Complex in Osogbo:
Another significant achievement is the approval for the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium complex in Osogbo, which will serve as a central hub for sports activities and offer world-class facilities for athletes across various sports disciplines. - Establishment of Osun United Handball, Hockey, and Volleyball Clubs:
In an effort to diversify the sporting culture in the state, new clubs for handball, hockey, and volleyball have been established under the Deputy Governor’s guidance. Notably, the Osun United Handball Club has already gained promotion into the Ardova Premier League, the highest Handball League in Nigeria. This is a testament to the progress being made in promoting less traditional sports. - Participation in National Championships for Taekwondo and Table Tennis:
For the first time in eight years, Osun athletes in taekwondo and table tennis have been approved to participate in national championships. This move underscores the administration’s support for all sports, not just tennis, as alleged by Osun Defender.
On the Allegations of Funding Delays and Reductions:
The reduction in allowances mentioned in the article was a necessary adjustment given the state’s financial realities. These adjustments were made to accommodate a larger number of athletes and officials participating in national competitions. It is important to note that the contingent representing Osun at the National Youth Games has increased in number compared to previous years. The government’s priority is to encourage as many athletes as possible to participate and showcase their talents on national platforms. Painfully, the officials are at the receiving end of the financial adjustments, but this was done to avoid dropping any athletes or officials from participation.
While the state, like many others, faces financial challenges, it is critical to emphasize that Prince Kola Adewusi has never ignored files or failed to forward them to the Governor for approval. The Deputy Governor, alongside the Osun State Sports Council, has worked tirelessly to ensure that all processes are in place to facilitate the participation of Osun athletes in the upcoming National Youth Games. The allegation that files have been withheld is simply not accurate.
- Addressing Specific Claims of Sports Neglect:
We must categorically reject the claim that the Deputy Governor is focusing solely on table tennis. The facts speak otherwise, as detailed above, with multiple sports disciplines being supported and developed under his administration. His support for grassroots and lesser-recognized sports, like handball, hockey, and volleyball, contradicts the narrative that other sports are being ignored.
In conclusion, the Deputy Governor and the Osun State Sports Council remain committed to the advancement of sports in Osun State. The steps taken thus far have laid a strong foundation for a future where Osun will not only produce world-class athletes but also set the standard for sports development across Nigeria.
We urge Osun Defender and other media outlets to seek clarification before publishing unverified claims, as such reports only serve to mislead the public and undermine the significant efforts being made to transform sports in Osun State.
Signed:
Mr. Rotimi Dumoye
General Manager, Osun State Sports Council
On Behalf of the Management of the Osun State Sports Council.
