…seeks accountability for Ekiti’s poor representation despite 20 million support from Governor
Nigerians call out Ekiti State Commissioner for Sport, Youth, and Education, along with the Permanent Secretary, following an outcry over the abysmal representation of Ekiti State at the ongoing National Youth Sports Festival in Delta State.
A trending picture of the state representative at the sports festival in Delta State has generated a lot of reactions on social media as Nigerians called for an immediate summons of the state Commissioner for Sport, Youth, and Education.
The incident has caused a public uproar, as athletes from Ekiti State were seen participating in the competition wearing slippers instead of sneakers and other sports kits.
The National Youth Sports Festival, an event that showcases the prowess of young athletes from across the country, was expected to provide a platform for Ekiti State’s talented sportsmen and sportswomen to shine. However, it appears that inadequate preparations and mismanagement of funds have led to the state’s poor representation, drawing widespread criticism.
With a significant budget allocation of 20 million Naira specifically directed towards supporting the athletes, the people of Ekiti State are questioning how such a prime opportunity was squandered. Supporters and concerned citizens have voiced their disappointment and demanded an explanation as to why the allocated funds were seemingly not utilized effectively.
The issue of athletes appearing at the festival in slippers instead of sneakers has further intensified the public’s discontent.
This blatant lack of proper equipment has raised questions of negligence, thereby tarnishing the reputation of the state’s sports authorities and causing embarrassment to the athletes themselves.
Meanwhile, idanNews gathered that Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji in his display of strong commitment to youth sports development, approved N20 million for the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
It was also learnt that the sports department, primarily comprised of civil servants, submitted a budget of N25 million to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State before the governor approved 20 million for them.
One of the concerned citizens of the state Olufemi Abiodun said “With the substantial financial backing and the Governor’s encouragement, the team was well-equipped to excel, aiming to bring glory to the state through their exceptional performance bureversers is the case.”
This exemplifies Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s dedication to fostering youth sports and promoting the welfare of the state’s young athletes.
The Commissioner for Sport, Youth, and Education, along with the Permanent Secretary, have been urged by Nigerians to provide clarifications on their respective departments’ role in the mismanagement of resources and neglect of athlete welfare.
Meanwhile, citizens of Ekiti State are urging the authorities to take immediate action against those found responsible for the poor representation. Concerned individuals have called for reforms within the sports sector to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper allocation of resources for the development of young athletes.
The incident has also prompted discussions about the need for policy reforms at the national level. Many argue that a more robust system must be put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future, safeguarding the dreams and aspirations of young athletes from Ekiti State and beyond.
