The Executive Chairman, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, the Rt. Honourable Babatunde David Olaniyan, has expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for his efforts at ensuring that the club survived the drop from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Similarly, the 3SC boss, in a statement which he personally signed, acknowledged the backing of every stakeholder as well as Friends of the club within and outside the state for the team’s survival.
Akoro, as the former Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly is popularly known, admitted that it was a very herculean season for the Oluyole Warriors as they had to fight though the last day of the season to retain their elite league status.
“It was a very difficult season for us, it was not easy but we thank God for seeing us through at the end of the day.
“On behalf of the management and the entire team, I want to thank specially our amiable governor, the number one supporter of 3SC, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde for his commitment and support, which in no small means, aided the survival of the club from an imminent relegation.
“We cannot quantify His Excellency’s unflinching support and total commitment. The fact is, without the governor’s backing in all ramifications, our survival would not have been possible, hence the need to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency.
“Our appreciation also goes to every stakeholder including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the able leadership of Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, Oyo State Sports Council, led by Honourable Gbenga Adewusi Arole, the Oyo State Football Association, under the chairmanship of Oba James Odeniran as well as the Supporters Club and the fans in general,f or their support though their prayers and their impactful advises.
“We cannot also forget our friends in the media, whose criticism put us on our toes and always pushed us to correct every wrong in the course of the season, which to a large extent helped us.
“I also give kudos to he entire team, the technical crew and the players for their commitment and determination towards making the survival possible. The team work really paid off.
“Let me also use this medium to promise that next season will be positively different as we will commence efforts immediately, to correct all the lapses discovered in the just concluded season, with a view to putting up a more rewarding performance next season”.
