Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said on Saturday that his government has been able to develop the state’s sports economy through several policies and programmes in the last six years.
Governor Makinde, who declared open the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation held at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan, also reiterated his administration’s commitment to sports development.
The Annual General Assembly coincides with the U-20 Women Qualifiers Match between Nigeria and Rwanda, scheduled for Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, which was remodeled by the Makinde-led administration.
According to Makinde, as a result of the support from the NFF and other sports bodies, his government has been able to keep the focus of rebuilding sports infrastructure and putting in place the right structures, which are attracting different sporting activities at the national and international levels to Oyo State.
He declared that Ibadan, the state capital, now has what it takes to host big sporting events including Super Eagles’ matches.
The governor appealed to the NFF to ensure that the appropriate authorities check the state’s sporting facilities, stating that his government won’t shy away from committing resources to ensuring that things are put in proper shape for such events.
The governor said: “On behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, I really want to thank the NFF president and your executive committee members for your interest in Oyo State.
“Yes, we are trying to develop a sports economy here, but if you don’t have the support or you don’t have the pressure from people like yourselves, some of our efforts will just go in vain.
“So, we are happy that today you brought your Annual General Assembly to Oyo State. And we are also happy that you brought the match we are going to watch this afternoon between the Nigeria U-20 women and the Rwanda U-20 women.
“And, as I mentioned when we were having breakfast this morning, Ibadan wants to have the opportunity to host big events – Super Eagles. So, let them check out our facilities, and whatever we need to do, I give you the promise that we will put the necessary resources in there.”
The governor equally lauded the NFF for the reforms it has brought to football at the national level and in the Nigeria Premier Football League, which have resulted in results in the league becoming fairer.
“So, there is quite a bit of progress, but I also think we still have a lot more to do, especially in the area of funding. Football is supposed to be a big event. But, somehow, our people still watch other leagues.
“You ask people, what’s your team? They will tell you Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona. I don’t know what this federation has to do, but you must do something so that you can attract big businesses to support your efforts,” he added.
He wished the NFF success in its next elective congress, pointing out how transition in the federation had been seamless and smooth in the past.
This was just as he reiterated his call for five years single term in the body-politics, stating that if it were possible for the NFF to also look into its constitution in this regard, the suggestion might be beneficial to it.
“I know you said next year, you’ll have the elective congress. Well, I know that we have one or two things to learn from how you have been conducting your affairs.
“From Amaju to yourself, the transition was seamless. We didn’t hear anything about somebody manipulating the election or somebody perpetrating illegality. So, I believe the elective congress will also be successful.
“If you have the opportunity for a second tenure, I advocate for five or six years single term. But I have enjoyed four years twice now. So, maybe you have to review your own constitution as well, but I will advocate that five or six years should be good enough. Well, maybe not in football.”
Speaking earlier, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said the federation and football lovers across the country were grateful to Governor Makinde for what he had done for football and sports in the state, including his support for the Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) and the remodeling of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, among others.
This was as he commended the governor for his approval and support for the NFF Assembly and the hosting of the FIFA Women U20 Qualifiers in Ibadan.
Gusau assured that residents of Oyo State would soon be able to watch the Super Eagles in Ibadan.
He said: “It is a day that the Congress of the Nigerian Football Federation is meeting at your doorsteps. This could not have been possible without you giving us the enabling environment to be here. We want to thank you for that.
“I could remember not just more than a month when I called upon you to request that I want us to be here to have this occasion, as well as to have our young under-20 girls to play their match against Rwanda here in the historic city of Ibadan, which you graciously approved for me.
“Let me, on behalf of the Nigerian Football Federation Executive Committee, as well as the entire Congress, and indeed the football stakeholders of this great country, thank you immensely for what you have been doing for sports, especially football in Oyo State, since when you came on board as the Governor of Oyo State about six years and some months ago.
“Everybody knows that Oyo used to be the home of football and that Governor Seyi Makinde is an avid football fan. If you are with him and he gives you some history of how far he has gone in the support of football, you will not believe it.
“This was why when we saw what he was doing in the area of sports, especially football, we were not surprised. We talked about remodelling the stadium, which he did. He also did all he could to revive 3SC.
“Now, every single time he talks to me, he will ask, ‘President, how do we bring Super Eagles to Ibadan? This is the home of the Super Eagles. Please, tell me what you want.’ Even this morning, when I was with him during breakfast, he said, President, when are these people coming to tell us what we need to do so that the Super Eagles will be in Ibadan to play their matches?
“I told him that is actually going to be possible very soon. And, by the grace of God, we will do our best to make that a reality. The people of Oyo State will see the Super Eagles, courtesy of their own support and contribution.”
Noting that his executive had done its best to move football forward from where it met it about three years ago, Gusau called on Nigerians to continue to support the federation with a view to improving the game, adding that it would do all within its powers to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the next World Cup.
Also speaking, former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, called for support for the federation, just as he asked Nigerians to remain optimistic about Super Eagles qualifying for the World Cup.
On the entourage of Governor Makinde were the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni;
Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (Rtd).