The Okitipupa Zonal Sports Stadium was created by the Colonial Masters says Chief Ade Adeniji
BEING AN ACCEPTANCE SPEECH DELIVERED BY CHIEF ADE ADENIJI, OKITIPUPA ZONAL STADIUM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON THE INAUGURATION AT OKITIPUPA ON TUESDAY 27TH, SEPTEMBER, 2011
The Chairman Ondo State Sports Council,
Members of the Management Committee,
The General Manager Ondo State Sports Council,
The Zonal Directors,
The Chairman of School Sports – Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese – Odo local governments,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
First, I give thanks and adoration to God Almighty for making today a reality and for the opportunity granted each and every one of us to be part of today’s historic event. I also thank the entire Board and Management of the Ondo State Sports Council for counting us worthy to be appointed members of the Zonal Stadium Committee.
Today is indeed historic because this is the first time in the history of Ondo State that members of the Stadium Management Committee would be given a public inauguration. It is a clear demonstration of the love for the resolve of the present administration in Ondo State to develop Sports and Infrastructures from the grassroots level. Sports if properly developed is also a veritable source of income and employment particularly to our teeming youths. But it is obvious that development depends on the available infrastructure for sportsmen and women.
The Okitipupa Zonal Sports Stadium as of today (otherwise known as Government Field) was created by the Colonial Masters and developed to the level of having a zonal office by the defunct Western Regional Government. Unfortunately, not much of development had been witnessed on this area until 1987/88 when the then Federal Government directed that all Local Governments should have a Fenced Arena for sports. The directive made the state Government in conjunction with the Local Government to put a committee in place. It generated the revenue that got this entire place fenced as it is today. Ever since, nothing has happened again in form of development.
During the Ajasin Administration, the Government conceived the lofty idea of having a befitting Zonal Sports Stadium in all the Sporting Zones of this Ondo State. One was sited in Ayeka in Okitipupa Local Government. So much thanks to our sports loving Kabiyesi, the Lumure of Ayeka, who donated the vast piece of land for the Stadium Complex. The project had since been abandoned.
The fact remains that Okitipupa Division and zone has always been a pace-setter in terms of production of laurel-winning individuals and teams over the years. The zone has won the Governors cup several times, won the NITEL Primary School Football under-13 competitions back-to-back several times, won the Ondo State Sports festival several times over and more than any other zones in the state. I on behalf of other members of this Zonal Stadium Committee and the Sports loving people hereby appeal passionately to our amiable and Sports loving State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to kindly consider the immediate construction of the Ayeka Sports Stadium, while still providing necessary maintenance infrastructure in the present Okitipupa Township Stadium.
On our part as Stadium Management Committee, we pledge to co-operate with your administration with a view to enhancing better performance of our Sporting Youths, Sportsmen and Women and as well preventing material wastage and decay.
Once again our able Chairman and your good and industrious team, we thank you for the opportunity given to us. We pledge our loyalty to you and the state Government. We use this opportunity to congratulate your management, the Ondo State football Agency, the Sunshine Stars, the Rising Stars Management and the State Government under the able leadership of our Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko for the heights attained this season.
Finally, we pray God to grant you journey mercies back to Akure.
Thank you.
