By Femi Atolagbe

The Technical Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Dr. Olushola Osetoba, has disclosed that one of the key pillars of her boss’s administration is youth empowerment and job creation through sports.

Osetoba noted that the governor has a unique way of rewarding outstanding athletes at national sports competitions, expressing confidence that the trend will continue.

She added that all the athletes who won gold at the last National Sports Festival held in Asaba were given automatic employment.

“As for me, I think this is the best way to reward athletes, because no amount of money given to them can sustain them for life.

“My boss doesn’t make empty promises. I am very sure he will surprise any athlete who wins gold, just as he has done in the past.”she said

She made this known in a chat with newsmen at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Technical Adviser said the state’s athletes are battle-ready to compete and surpass previous records at the national fiesta, noting that they will be participating in 20 events with a 166-member contingent.

“We are going to do better than in previous editions. Our Governor has done well by supporting us massively; he has provided all we needed for the festival since October last year. We are fully ready for the games.”

“Our coaches are doing their best to ensure we perform creditably well.

” We want to go home with gold because our governor has been doing all he can to support us and to raise the bar of sports in Ekiti State.”

She also revealed some of the challenges currently faced at the games, including the long distance between athletes’ hostels and their competition venues.

“Athletes were lodged at Babcock University, but they are competing in Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, Ikenne, and Sagamu, so the distance has been a serious challenge for us.

“We are well-kitted in navy blue and yellow-striped jackets, yellow caps, and navy blue trousers,” she said.