Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, has underscored government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure and empowering the state’s youths.

 Speaking in an interview with The Hope, Ogunleye outlined various initiatives under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration aimed at promoting youth development, sports and entrepreneurship.

Ogunleye, who has been a political stalwart in Ondo, serving in various capacities since 1989, reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, stating that government’s policies have been designed to foster self-sufficiency among young people.

“When we empower our youths, will reduce the rate of crime,” he said, highlighting efforts to provide skill acquisition centres in key locations across the state.

“Our mission is not just about training but ensuring they become productive members of society, capable of creating jobs for themselves.”

One of the cornerstones of Ogunleye’s agenda, he said, is revamping the Sunshine Stars, the state’s football club, which faced relegation challenges upon his assumption of office.

“The team was at the brink, ranking 18 out of 20,” he noted. “But through dedicated efforts, we pushed them to the 10th position. This goes beyond football; it’s about the pride of Ondo and our commitment to elevating sports.”

Expatiating on  government’s commitment to sports, Ogunleye highlighted ongoing renovations at the  State Sports Council, aimed at creating state-of-the-art facilities.

The commissioner asserted that the  upgrades are integral to positioning Ondo as a competitive sporting state and fostering young talents in areas such as gymnastics, swimming, and table tennis.

In the broader context of youth development, Ogunleye described the strategic collaboration with federal agencies and international organisations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Bank of Industry, to fund youth-led small businesses.

 He revealed that selected beneficiaries of government-sponsored skill acquisition programmes are being awarded grants  up to N3 million.

“This isn’t just a handout; it’s a deliberate empowerment strategy. These funds are monitored to ensure they’re invested in viable businesses, creating a cycle of employment and economic growth,” he explained.

Speaking on violence-free campaign,  Ogunleye who is the Chairman of the Youth and Student Committee for the campaign, urged youth to shun violence, citing the Governor’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the state.

“INEC has put measures in place to curb ballot snatching and violence. We’re making it clear to our young people that violence won’t be tolerated,” he stated.

In a call for solidarity, Ogunleye urged the state’s youths to support Governor Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming election, praising his seamless continuation of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s projects.

“Aiyedatiwa is experienced, a steady hand with a vision for the state’s growth. He is not here to disrupt, but to build on the legacy he was part of,” he said.

Ogunleye expressed confidence in the Governor’s ability to address Ondo’s developmental needs, from sports and youth programmes to infrastructural development.

He also addressed rumours of the possible sale or privatisation of the Sunshine Stars, dismissing them as baseless.

On a national level, Ogunleye pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to be patient with ongoing economic reforms.