By Femi Atolagbe

Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye has assured both officials and athletes in the state’s sports council of better welfare packages.

Yusuf-Ogunleye said the current government is ready to encourage and motivate the athletes to get the best out of them.

He added that athletes will be motivated , saying he had instructed the General Manager to bring the file of athletes that have won laurels for the state for presentation before the Governor.

“I will have to present them to the Governor, because if we failed to do this, athletes will not give their best.”

“None of our athletes will be left unattended to, their welfare must also be looked into.”

“Some athletes that are collecting N5000 naira five years ago are still on same payment while civil servants are clamouring for better minimum wage, we have to find a way to improve in this area.”

The Commissioner stated this in a meeting held with the management and staff at the indoor hall of the sports council, in Akure the state capital.

He urged the staff of the council to work harmoniously with the new general manager to fast-tract the development of sports in the state.

He said: “I have come before you with my words of encouragement that my second coming as the commissioner for sports is to improve your welfare and put things right.

“I can assure you that all your complaints will be attended to, none of you will be shortchanged, you wont be deprived of your rights.”

“You must be hard working, absenteeism of any kind will not be tolerated, I plead with you all to be diligent in your duty posts.

“I’m here to ensure that your living standards is improved and see that all that is needed to do at the council is provided by the government”, he stated.

He however, announced the dissolution of all sports association committee at the Ondo State Sports Council, saying their term in office has elapsed.

He also assured of adequate security of equipment at the sports council to prevent vandalism.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Manager of the state Sports council, Mr Sunday Fagite assured the commissioner of the readiness of the management and staff of the council to work with him for the rapid development of sports in Ondo State.

He thanked the commissioner for deeming it fit to meet the staff of the council, saying the step he had taken will bring positive change towards sports development in the state.