Analysis: How Oyetola is using sports to drive Osun economy
By Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
In State of Osun, the sports sector is beyond winning medals. The State Government, under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, recognises the sports sector as an instrument of peace and unity, which will consequently foster economic development.
Governor Oyetola, in one of his recent remarks, had announced that, “Sport stands as the cornerstone of our proud heritage and shares unmistakable attributes with our way of life. It has accorded us an avenue to display our creativity and stimulate perseverance, diligence, and a strong sense of commitment among our people. It has also underscored our belief that sport is a potent instrument for building character.”
Socio-economic growth is one of the cardinal pillars of the Oyetola-led administration in Osun State. One of the ways through which the government aims to build the economy is via youth development.
When he came on board, the Governor implemented the Youth Policy Statement, which was designed to promote youth education, empowerment, entrepreneurship, and engagement in the state.
To further underscore his commitment to youth development and economic growth, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has continued to throw his weight behind the sports sector.
Oyetola’s administration is investing in the sports sector as one of the significant ways to empower Osun youths and establish ties and build camaraderie among athletes outside the state and Nigeria at large.
When he became the governor of the State, Oyetola sponsored some athletes who had caught the attention of the Sports Federation to the 2018 National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abuja. And for the first time in the history of Osun state, these athletes became the first to return home with 8 Gold, 12 Silver, and 16 bronze medals.
For robust coordination of sports at the grassroots, Governor Oyetola approved the appointments of 42 Local Government Sports Coordinators, including the Zonal and State Coordinators.
He also approved the funding of state participation at various sports competitions, including the 20th National Sports Festival held in Edo State, “EDO 2020, 2019 All African Games, World Karate Championship as well as World Para-powerlifting Championship.”
Despite the paucity of funds inherited from the previous administration, Oyetola has improved the welfare packages of the two state teams, namely Osun United and Osun Babes Football Clubs.
At the just concluded Osun Sports Festival, which came to its climax on Thursday, October 7, 2021, Oyetola revealed that his administration is using sports to preach and spread the messages of love, unity, hope, and development.
According to him, such messages will continue to sustain the status of Osun State as the most peaceful State in Nigeria, thereby entrenching a safe hub for socioeconomic development.
Being one of its kind since the state was created, the 2021 Osun Sports Festival has provided the opportunity to engage the youths productively, discover hidden talents in various sports across Local Government Areas, and harness their potential to boost the performance of the State at various national and international competitions.
One of the primary benefits of the sports festival is to entrench love and unity among athletes across different local governments in the State.
By using sports to spread unity and love, Osun State can maintain its status as the most peaceful State in Nigeria in order to achieve its socio-economic and developmental goals.
The peaceful atmosphere of Osun State can also attract investments from business owners and investors whose act.
