2021 NSF: Oyetola Charges Team Osun To Win Laurels As Athletes Depart For Edo

Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola has enjoined state representatives at this year’s National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged ‘Edo 2020’ to be good ambassadors of the state and ensure that they return home with laurels.

Oyetola stated this on Saturday March 3, 2021 at the Osogbo Township Stadium while addressing members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State chapter in Osogbo.

He infomed Team Osun who were departing for Benin, Edo State to take part in the events to participate actively and appreciate the efforts of the Government at rejuvenating sports in the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government Prince Wole Oyebamiji, the Governor assured that all allowances has been released for both athletes and officials and shall be paid in due course, calling on athletes to participate actively and make the state proud.

“I want to inform you that all your allowances have been approved and released in order to ensure that you concentrate and do well. As you will receive some on your departure, the remaining shall be paid in the course of the events while you will all receive the balance at the end of the event.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. You have the responsibility to pay government back by winning gold medals which will believe is possible.”

Speaking on the State Government’s efforts on sports development, the Governor noted that the state is prepared to host a local festival to discover more talents at the grassroot.

“We have concluded arrangement to host the state festival in Osun to discover more talents from the grassroot that can represent our states at the National levels.

“I want to assure you that the commitment of our administration to sports development is unshaken. We shall do the needful to improve on the sports facilities for optimal performance of our athletes.”

Earlier, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Yemi Lawal said the athletes would perform creditably well at the festival as they were fully prepared to do the state proud.

Also present at the programme are Osun Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports led by its Chairman, Hon. Adirulahi Adegbile, SA to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Aremo Gboyega Adelabu, Director of Sports, Layi Adesiyan, Director of Coaching and Training, Mr. Ademola Daini among others.

According to the General Manager, Osun State Sports Council, Rotimi Dunmoye, a total of 60 athletes, 28 coaches and other officials would be representing Osun state at the event which begins tomorrow.

Some of the athletes appeared motivated and assured that their contingent would return to Osun with gold in all the games they would be participating.

In the last edition of the NSF which held in Abuja in 2018, Team Osun bagged 7 gold, 8 silver and 20 bronze medals to finish 13th.