Following the return of Sunshine Stars to Akure, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State and Chairman, ODSFA Management Committee, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa has met with football stakeholders in the state to gather support for the Owena Whales.
Aiyedatiwa who on Monday announced the all-clear from the LMC for Sunshine Stars to return home, took turn to meet with members of the Supporters Club, Ondo FA Excos, the ultras and state referees at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka Akure on Tuesday to extract support for the Owena Whales on home soil.
_”It is important we meet you as our team has been brought back home just as I have promised. They had good run in Ijebu Ode, but should do better here in Akure with your support._
_We have a good team that is well motivated; salaries and bonuses are paid up to date, regardless, your prayers and maximum support will give us the extra push. What we can afford we will do for you.”_ Aiyedatiwa stated in the first meeting with the Supporters Club under the chairmanship of Felix Olowa.
The State FA Exco under the leadership of Otunba Dele Ajayi assured the Acting Governor of their full cooperation for Sunshine Stars, and seeked improve synergy with ODSFA in bid to achieve grassroot and all-round football development in Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa promised the FA that that their requests will be looked into and congratulated the Association on the sponsorship deal secured for the state football league.
Spokesman of the Stadium Boys, Robert Tolu, fondly called Romeo posited that Sunshine Stars is adored like a religion within the ultras, before assuring the management that the group will be orderly and willing to point out anyone found creating unrest at the stadium.
_”We are so pleased with what you have done for Sunshine Stars, your Excellency. We are happy the team is back to Akure. On our part we are ready to give full support as usual and not to constitute nuisance. Anyone that want to cause trouble at the stadium will be identified and handed over to the security. Sunshine is our way of life.”_
The Deputy Governor appreciated the Kikiowo Sanya ‘Igor’-led group for their resolve to be peaceful but warned, _”moving forward, anyone found breaking down law and order at the stadium will face government’s might and full wrath of the law.”_
Aiyedatiwa rounded up the day’s deliberations by meeting with the state referees under the chairmanship of Mr Fidelis Fabidun in his office, while a separate session is planned for the members of the Sports Writers Association and Sports Council leadership on Wednesday.
Also in attendance during the stakeholders meetings are Sunshine Stars’ General Manager, Hon. Akin Akinbobola, ODSFA Secretary, Mr Ijeh B.A, Agency’s Director of Finance and Admin, Banji Kuroloja, General Coordinator to ODSFA, Tokunbo Akinyelure, Sunshine Stars Team Manager, Seun Betiku among others.
Sunshine Stars host league leaders Rivers United at the Ondo State Sports Complex on Thursday.
