Oyo Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has promised a lifeline to management, players and supporters of state-owned Shootings Stars Sports Club and Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso.
The governor made the promise during a visit to the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, training ground of the 3SC, popularly called the Oluyole Warriors, on Friday.
He hinted that the state government would restructure the clubs, while it would also finance and revamp its facilities to heighten the enthusiasm of the players and supporters in them.
The governor used the occasion to apologise to the clubs for the seeming lack of adequate attention from the state government, which he blamed on the poor financial status of the state.
The governor commended the coaching crew and players of the team for posting impressive performance in recent times, which he described as encouraging and worthy of renewed support by the government and sports lovers.
Urging the teams to guard against complacency, Ajimobi promised to make up for the lost ground by giving full attention to the welfare of the clubs.
Ajimobi said, “They have done very well and we are very encouraged by their exemplary performance. I decided to visit 3SC to boost their morale and to promise them moral, physical and financial support.
“I seek to apologise for not doing this for long, but I am happy you all know where the state stands on the issue of finance. But I am more than happy to inform you that we are getting out of that situation.
“We all know the importance of sports in developing the moral, mental and physical fitness of our youths and an avenue to re-direct their interest from social vices and make them useful to the society.
“Government will restructure the clubs, finance and revamp their facilities to heighten the enthusiasm of players, supporters and management bodies.”
The governor promised the players and fans of 3SC of his intention to watch their next match against Sunshine Stars of Akure on Sunday.
General Manager of 3SC, Mr. Rasheed Balogun and Team Coach, Mr. Gbenga Ogunbote, expressed their delights at the presence of the governor at the training ground.
Balogun added that no amount of support from any quarter could boost the players’ morale more than the governor’s presence and words of encouragement.
He promised that the team would work harder to move from its presence position on the league table to the top spot, with the renewed support of the governor.
