The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye has called for a concerted effort by stakeholders to strengthen sports development in the country.
Aribasoye stated this in an interview on Sunday shortly after taking the ceremonial kick off for the match between Ekiti United FC and Smart City FC from Lagos State played at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti.
The match was a Nigeria National League Week 5 match, a second tier league in the country.
Rt. Hon. Aribasoye applauded the smartness and focus of the Ekiti team which defeated their Smart City counterpart by two goals to nil.
‘I see this team going far. The team is star studded and promising, with maximum support and motivation, the sky will be a starting point.’ Aribasoye projected.
He described the round leather game and sports in general as money spinners and a uniting factor as he emphasized the need to always encourage the field actors.
‘Sports is good business. Sports can generate massive revenue if we are deliberate and keen about it. Sport also unites us beyond ethnic or religious borders. This is one sector that all stakeholders should keep their eyes and hands on for maximum productivity’ Aribasoye noted.
Remarking on the Sports Merit Award recently conferred on him by the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State in recognition of his remarkable contributions to sports development, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye said the honour would serve as a catalyst for his innate passion for youth and sports development.
‘The award is an encourager, I’ve been doing my best to take sports and youth development to towering heights, It can only get better. The Ekiti State House of Assembly shares this same passion, and the house is resolute on protecting and projecting the sports sector in Ekiti State.’
