By Adekola Afolabi

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Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has identified sports development as critical element at getting youths engaged productively.
The Governor therefore reiterated his commitment to the development of sports in the state, particularly the completion of the state-owned Idanre Golf Course.
Akeredolu spoke during the presentation of trophies and prizes to winners at the second Term Inauguration Golf Tournament held at the Smokin Hills and Golf Resorts, Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government area.
The event sponsored and put together by ‘Friends of Aketi’ to honour the governor on his second term inauguration was attended by Golfers across the country.
The Governor explained that all efforts to develop the state-owned Idanre Golf Course in his first term were hindered by paucity of fund but used the occasion to pledge the commitment of his administration to the development of the sport facility through the involvement of the private sector.
Earlier, the Chairman Aketi 2021 Golf Tournament Planning Committee, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade, expressed satisfaction with the sterling performance of Governor Akeredolu in his first term which culminated in the massive votes by the people of the Sunshine State to return him for a second term.
Rear Admiral Alade who described the governor as a man of uncommon service to humanity and a compassionate leader expressed confidence that Akeredolu would surpass his numerous achievements in his second term, having demonstrated in no small measure the virtues inherent in golfing.
He used the occasion to commend the governor on his untiring efforts at securing the state through the establishment of Ondo State Security Network, codenamed, Amotekun Corps, which he said has ensured the safety of lives and property of residents.
He added that the safe and peaceful nature of the state has also brought about the easy assemblage of golfers across the country to the most naturally challenging golf course in Nigeria, Smokin Hills and Golf Resorts, Ilara-Mokin.
In his goodwill message, the Captain of the Golf Course, Engr. Gboye Adegbenro said Governor Akeredolu is piloting the affairs of the state to greater heights.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by the the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale and other eminent personalities.
Earlier in the morning, Governor Akeredolu performed the ceremonial Tee Off at the Golf Tournament held at the same Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara-Mokin
The Governor played alongside the chairman of the ‘Friends of Aketi Tournament Committee’, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade (Rtd); Captain of the Golf Course, Engr. Gboye Adegbenro; Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye and several other golfers from about Ten different Golf Clubs in Seven states and Federal Capital Territory.