Orangun of Oke-Ila calls for government collaboration in sports development
Governments at the sub-national level have been urged to collaborate with the federal government to drive sports development, a move that could not only boost the sports industry but also create employment opportunities for millions of talented youths.
The Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun State, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Adedokun Abolarin, Aroyinkeye I, made this appeal during a visit to the NTA Sports Channel at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
He was accompanied by the Olomu of Omu-Aran in Kwara State, His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti Akolade Agboluaje, and Barrister Oguntayo Lateju Babatunde. The visit was to congratulate the General Manager of NTA Sports, Kayode Adeniyi, an indigene of Ila Orangun, on his recent appointment by the NTA management.
Oba Abolarin emphasized the importance of providing sports infrastructure in rural areas, where millions of talented youths reside. He stressed that adequate investment in sports could position Nigeria as a dominant force globally.
“With serious investment in sports, we can dominate the world. We have talents everywhere in rural areas, in various fields such as taekwondo, boxing, table tennis, tennis, golf, and sprinting. Many youths are looking for jobs, yet we overlook natural areas where we have potential. We have good administrators, but corruption remains a major challenge,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Agboluaje, advocated for a regional sports festival to harness and develop local talents.
“At the sub-regional level, we can gather young people and pass knowledge to them, helping them achieve their goals. By the grace of God, we will continue to make progress. It may be slow, but we will get there,” he said.
The General Manager of NTA Sports, Kayode Adeniyi, expressed gratitude for the royal visit and urged traditional rulers to take an active role in grassroots sports development, describing it as the foundation of sports growth in Nigeria.
