14/02/2024
AFCON 2023: Kogi To Honour Heroic Super Eagles' Goalkeeper, Olorunleke, others
The Kogi State Government says it is setting necessary machinery in motion to honour Kogi-born Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke and other sports ambassadors from the State
following their impressive performance in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D'ivoire.
The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe Aridaojo made the disclosure in Lokoja on Tuesday when he received members of the State's chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN).
Recall that Nigeria lost to Cote D'ivoire after the Elephant came from behind to beat the Super Eagles at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday.
He pointed out that the state was proud of their contributions given that they served their fatherland with their talents, hence deserved to be honored.
Anyebe, saluted the players and the coaching crew for their impressive outing noting that the present administration was committed to encouraging sportsmen and Women making the State proud.
"We have put up a memo to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to welcome our Kogi-born goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke, the Chief security officer of the Super Eagles and other ambassadors of the state to the competition. They will be given a befitting welcome. We are very confident it will be given an express approval", he stated.
The commissioner assured that the ministry under his watch is totally committed to the development of sports and youths, adding that the current administration will continue to encourage sports development, and create conducive atmosphere for it to thrive in the state.
"As a youth, I am here to serve, and to serve my people in the area of sports development and youths empowerment which is one of the cardinal points of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
"We are already working round the clock to bring innovations to develop sports further and to transform the ministry from where it is now to the next level.
I can also assure you that you also have a role to play helping us achieve that."
He explained that within 24 hours of his assumption of duties as Sports Commissioner in the state, he had undertaken an on-the-spot assessment of the facilities, at the Confluence Stadium Stadium, and other sports centres in Okene.
He stated that the ministry was already working on some programs concerning Grassroot revival, stressing that plans are on ground to revive Grassroot Sports across the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
"We already have some programs in place on the grassroot sports revival to bring back the glorious days the state had witnessed in the past."
He promised to inject new approach to the workings of the ministry, assuring that it would no longer be business as usual.
"We are not going to allow things to be the way they used to be. We are going to work together to make impacts in the area of sports in the state."
Anyebe assured SWAN in the state of the ministry's commitment to a partnership that would facilitate dynamic change, and subsequent development in grassroot sports.
He charged the sports journalists to continue to collaborate with the ministry, be very diligent in their reportage, and help to project the image of the ministry, and the state government in good light.
Anyebe assured that his doors will always remain open to SWAN and others interested in adding value to the development of sports in the state.
Speaking earlier, the Kogi SWAN Chairman, Bishop Aturu commended the bold steps of the Government to honour the heroic Super Eagles' keeper and his colleagues from the State.
"His stellar performance between the goalposts at the local league earned him a call up to represent Nigeria at the highest level of African football.
"Their remarkable run has brought pride and joy to the hearts of Nigerians across the country, including the vibrant sports community in Kogi State" he added.
"Olorunleke has exemplified the spirit of dedication and excellence that we strive to promote within our sporting community. His journey from the grassroots to the international stage is a testament to the talent and potential that exist in our state." .
"As we celebrate their achievements, we also reaffirm our commitment to supporting and promoting sports development initiatives within the state.
"Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, SWAN aims to nurture young talents, improve sports infrastructure, and foster a culture of excellence in sports across Kogi State."
He also appealed to the Commissioner to address the prevalent infrastructural rots and decay in sports and also revive grassroot sports to curb social vices such as cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and many more.
"Poor infrastructure has been the bane of sports development in Kogi. Our State is endowed with talents but lacks conducive environment to express these talents.
According to him, "It is high time the ministry revived grassroot sports through the reintroduction of Inter-school Sports competitions. We believe that there should be partnership between the ministries of Sports and Education to facilitate State."
"The decaying state of the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja is appalling. The structure of that stadium is of world standard. It also has the capacity to host both local and international competitions. We want to see the stadium back in shape."
While commending the managerial acumen of some of the directors in the ministry, Aturu pledged the support of the body to the new administration in the ministry, assuring that it would work closely with the commissioner to achieve his programs aimed at returning the State to its place of pride.
