Special Report: How Seyi Makinde’s 6-Year Leadership Has Transformed Oyo State’s Sports Landscape – GSM ADVOCATE

Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde has significantly transformed Oyo State’s youth and sports sectors. His administration’s focus on empowerment, infrastructure, and talent development has revitalized these areas, fostering opportunities for young people and enhancing the state’s sporting profile.

Governor Makinde’s administration has prioritized equipping youths with practical skills to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.

Over 3,300 youths were trained in modern agrifood value chains under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP). Additionally, 1,500 youths received training in digital marketing and coding, with certificates awarded upon completion.

The Oyo State Youth Empowerment Programme provided technopreneurs training across the state’s five zones, culminating in a grand finale where participants showcased innovative projects and received start-up packs to launch their ventures.

Partnerships with organizations like the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Total E&P Nigeria Limited led to the training of 125 youths in entrepreneurial development. Furthermore, 250 youths were trained in solar installation and sales through collaborations with First Bank Plc and the Bank of Industry.

Under Governor Makinde’s leadership, Oyo State witnessed a renaissance in sports infrastructure and performance. The Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba underwent a ₦6 billion remodeling, transforming it into a premier venue for major matches. Other facilities, including the Durbar Stadium in Oyo, Soun Stadium in Ogbomoso, and Saki Township Stadium, were upgraded to boost sports development across the state.

Oyo State athletes shone brightly at the 2020 National Sports Festival, bringing home an impressive haul of 103 medals. The state’s sporting prowess was evident in the breakdown of the medals: 31 glittering Gold medals, 30 Silver medals, and 42 Bronze medals.

In another remarkable achievement, the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) made a triumphant return to the pinnacle of Nigerian football. The club’s resurgence was marked by a thrilling victory in the Nigeria Professional Football League’s Dozy Mmobuosi Super Cup, which came with a substantial prize of ₦100 million.

These outstanding accomplishments underscore the state’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent and promoting sporting excellence. The achievements of Oyo State’s athletes and the 3SC are a testament to the state’s growing reputation as a hub for sports development and excellence.

Through strategic investments in sports infrastructure, talent identification programs, and athlete support services, the state government has created an enabling environment for young athletes to thrive. These initiatives have yielded impressive results, with Oyo State athletes making notable achievements in various national and international competitions.

Governor Makinde’s administration has been proactive in engaging youths through various programmes. The state organized International Youth Week celebrations, drawing participation from thousands of youths and promoting unity and development.

Grants-in-aid were provided to 70 registered voluntary youth organizations, fostering grassroots development and community involvement. Recognizing talents among youths in correctional centers, the administration provided tools and support to help them harness their skills for productive endeavors.The benefits of Governor Makinde’s sports development initiatives are evident in the growing number of young people who are now actively engaged in sports. The state’s youth are reaping the rewards of these initiatives, with many enjoying access to quality training, coaching, and competitive opportunities.

Over the past six years, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has made significant strides in empowering youths and revitalizing sports in Oyo State. Through comprehensive training programmes, infrastructure development, and community engagement, the state has laid a solid foundation for sustained growth and excellence in these sectors.

To this end, it is not a final effort but more actions are in the pipeline. The pacesetter’s state hopes to channel more conscious drudgery to lift the status of the youths to a more enviable height among the state of the federation.