We’ll continue to use sporting activities to boost economy of the state – Fakorede

…Pledges to partner AFGRAS on verifiable data of sports stakeholders in Oyo

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

As part of its efforts to discover sports talents and expand the state economy through sporting activities, Oyo State government, on Thursday, partnered a sport development foundation, Advocates for Grassroots Sports Foundation (AFGRAS), to explore and showcase the state sports potentials to the outside world.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Seun Fakorede, while playing host to the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Advocate for Grassroot Sports Foundation (AFGRAS) in his office, said that the data base will assist in getting all sporting stakeholders in the state.

He explained that since the present administration in Oyo state came on board, It has identified sports development as one of the viable sectors to boost its economy, tackle youth restiveness and unemployment.

He maintained that Oyo state government will partner the sports development outfit, AFGRAS, which is saddled with the responsibility of collating and managing the sports stakeholders’ data in the state.

He expressed confidence that the partnership will improve the economy and sports sector of the state.

He said: “I am actually very delighted for this wonderful initiative we are about to put to the world. This project is reflecting the trait of the state as a Pacesetter one. Sport is so big and we need to engage our youths. I am happy that the lexicon the world understands today is data.

“A number of communities have been shortchanged because of their lack of data. When we have authentic data all over the place, we can’t be cheated. We need systems like this and that is why we are embracing this project. It has not been done before in this part of the world. When we start, I know the rest will join us and we will take the glory in this state.

“This is just the beginning of many more opportunities. It will improve our economy by the time we are engaging investors. I don’t have a doubt that it will really go well and drive a better economy advantage in the state.”

Earlier in his address, the leader of the of the Advocates for Grassroots Sports Foundation, (AFGRAS), Mr Bob Olukoya, commended the open policy of Governor Makinde’s led administration in the state.

He said that the relationship of the association with the ministry has come a long way, adding that they will continue to bring every programme that will develop sporting activities in the state.

According to him: “We are here to introduce something new, that will make the state plan based on the available data.

“The relationship of the association with the ministry has come a long way. We will continue to bring every programme we have to Oyo State. We are here to introduce something new, which started few years ago.

“This will make the state plan based on the available data.”

He assured that the state sports talents would be properly exposed to the outside world through data collations and management.

“This is a collaborative work. Yes, I am the symbol of the organisation but it is a coming together of a lot of people.

“We came up with the idea of the Advocate for Grassroot Sports Foundation because we believe some of us must stand in stead for the coming generation. We cannot leave everything to government alone.

“The Commissioner has been a partner in progress. We are grateful to Governor Makinde for bringing him back to this ministry. It shows continuity. It shows that all is not about politics but about delivering on the mandate, which is the Ministry of Youth and sports.

“We have been collaborating since two years ago on May project but this particular one is the one seeing the light of the day and that is why we are here.

“On how it will create jobs for the youths, almost 200 people will be employed right away at the local government and ward levels.”

The event was attended by some sports administrators in the state.