EKITI GOVERNMENT REJECTS CLAIMS OF HARASSMENT AGAINST ATHLETES, DEFENDS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
The Ekiti State Government has firmly dismissed allegations circulating on social media that suggest its officials harassed athletes in Ado-Ekiti for allegedly refusing to represent the state in sporting events.
In a press statement issued to journalists, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, described the reports as misleading and a deliberate distortion of facts.
She emphasized that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains fully committed to sports development and the welfare of athletes across the state.
Dr. Osetoba underscored the government's deliberate efforts to empower youth through sports by investing heavily in infrastructure, training, and development programs. “The government recognizes the transformative power of sports in unlocking the potential of young people and is making significant financial commitments to expand opportunities for local and international success,” she said.
She highlighted the ongoing renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti as a testament to the state’s vision. The upgrades include installing a synthetic football pitch, renovating the administrative block, upgrading athletics tracks, improving the spectator stands, and enhancing perimeter security-all aimed at meeting global standards.
Additionally, the government is constructing a state-of-the-art indoor sports complex with 900 seating capacity to cater to various indoor sporting events.
However, the Emure Ekiti-born sports administrator acknowledged that a recurring challenge has plagued the state’s sports development efforts, trained athletes switching allegiance to other states during major competitions after benefiting from Ekiti’s resources and facilities.
She described this trend as disheartening for local coaches and sports officials who invest time and effort in grooming talent.
She cited specific examples where athletes, after being trained and supported by the Ekiti State Government to participate in national events such as the National Sports Festival, ended up representing rival states. In response to this pattern, the State Sports Commission has revised its policy.
“To safeguard the interests of the state and genuine, loyal athletes, we have resolved to limit access to free training facilities and coaching services to only those who are committed to representing Ekiti. Athletes who prefer to represent other states will be treated as private individuals and expected to pay standard rates for the use of our facilities,” Dr. Osetoba stated.
She further revealed that the new policy had not been well received by a few disgruntled individuals, some of whom allegedly resorted to violence and intimidation, targeting coaches, officials, and even fellow athletes.
Dr. Osetoba condemned these actions and confirmed that the relevant security agencies were immediately notified to prevent any escalation.
Reaffirming the administration’s stance, She reiterated that the state government remains committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and progressive environment for sports to thrive, one where loyalty and integrity are valued just as highly as talent.
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