By Femi Atolagbe

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A sports journalist and CEO of Stellar Management & OK Communications UK, Chris Okunnuwa, has called on the Ondo State Government to invest in building modern sports facilities to enhance sports development in the state.

Okunnuwa emphasised that to revitalise sports in the state, there must be the establishment of facilities across all 18 local government areas.

The former Sunshine Stars Media Director stated that having only a mini stadium in Akure is not sufficient, stressing that other senatorial districts should also have sporting facilities.

He noted that Ondo State has a natural advantage in swimming, particularly in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.

He suggested that constructing a sports facility in the area with a swimming pool and employing professional coaches to train the region’s natural swimmers would be a significant advantage for the state.

“If these individuals receive proper coaching to refine their natural swimming talents, they will bring laurels to the state and the country at large,” he said.

“We also need to consider other senatorial districts, identify their comparative advantage in sports, and invest accordingly.

“This will help restore Ondo State’s sporting reputation to where it was years ago.”

Okunnuwa also appealed to the Ondo State Government to hasten the return of Sunshine Stars to Akure, emphasising the importance of the team playing their home matches in the state capital.

“The fans will enjoy watching their team live, and the players will benefit from the full backing of their supporters.

“To thrive in the Nigerian league, clubs must play their home matches at their designated home grounds.”

The soft-spoken journalist further urged the club’s management and coaching staff to prioritise the interests of the team above personal gains.