Commissioner lauds AFN’s decision to establish 6 development centres in Ondo

The commitment of the Ondo State government to take sports development to the next level received a major boost as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has concluded plans to establish development centers in the state.

Speaking at his office in Akure while receiving the delegation of AFN led by its President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye commended the AFN leadership for the opportunity.

According to him, the state government is excited about the prospect of having the development centers in all the three senatorial districts of the state, which will go a long way in boosting the development of the game at the grassroots.

“On behalf of our sports-loving governor and the people of Ondo State, we say thank you for making our dear state one of the beneficiaries of this laudable development programme.

“We are so happy and excited at the prospect of having these centres in our state, it is our hope that the establishments will go a long way to promote the game in the state especially at the grassroots,” he stated.

In his remarks, Gusau said Ondo State was chosen to benefit from the project due to its rich history in the game and the determination of the present administration to ensure all round development.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports, Honourable Olamide George who is also the vice president of AFN, said the youth of Ondo State will benefit most from the synergy between both parties.

Olamide however promised the total support of the House of Assembly towards realising the dreams.

Meanwhile, Mr Jide Fashikun who spoke on behalf of the National Sports Development Fund, a body in partnership with the AFN to bring the programme to Ondo State, said the visions and desires of the state government to empower the youth through sports gave the motivation.

The AFN delegation also included Technical Director of the federation, Sunday Adeleye, Secretary General, Amaechi Akawo, and Chief Mary Onyali.

Six National Athletics Development centres, two in each senatorial district will be established in Ondo State.

Arrangements and modalities for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, have reached the advanced stage.