Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development and the Patron of Ekiti State Football Association Cadet Teams, Hon. Akintunde Oyebode has recommitted to the football family in Ekiti by pledging to sponsor a state under-15 tournament in Ekiti next year when the spate of the covid19 pandemic is expected to have greatly reduced.
The Commissioner who made the promise on Thursday 26th of November, 2020 while receiving the management and technical team of the Ekiti State Football Association Cadet Teams in his office also stated that himself and his family will also finance a U-15 competition in Ikole local government area, his homeland, that will produce the representative of the local government in the state tourney.
Oyebode, however, decried the impacts of the pandemic on the economy and plans in sports, but hopes for a reprieve in the new year which should fast track work on the Ikole Township Stadium to make it a hub of sporting activities in the area and for Ekiti State at large.
The finance administrator also wants the inclusion of more women into leadership positions as a panacea for improved female participation in sports, especially football.
Emphasizing his stance on the football business, Oyebode revealed that the Ekiti State Government will be happy to cede the control of the state-owned football club, Ekiti United FC to private hands while creating an enabling environment for the team in the state.
He further revealed that the government aims to provide basic sports facilities and make the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium befitting through partnerships.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ekiti State Football Association, Mr. Bayo Olanlege who introduced members of the management committee of the Ekiti State FA Cadet Teams to the Commissioner appreciated him for identifying with the FA and his numerous contributions to the rebuilding process for Ekiti Football.
Speaking on behalf of the Cadet Teams management, the Media Officer, Pelumi Abiara implored Hon. Oyebode to use his office to woo more all-round support and guidance for the cadet teams.
