Gov. Oyebanji scores big: New buses, modern facilities, stipends for Ekiti athletes

Femi Fabunmi

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has taken another bold step in reshaping the sporting fortunes of the state with the purchase of two brand-new coaster buses for athletes, alongside the refurbishment of existing buses.

The development, according to Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Advisor on Sports Development to the Governor, is part of a broader vision to reposition Ekiti as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.

Dr. Osetoba, who spoke with great optimism, described the buses as more than just vehicles. “For a long time, transportation was a major problem for our athletes.

Today, that challenge has been solved. With new coaster buses and repaired ones back on the road, we can confidently say Ekiti is mobile and ready. When it comes to vehicles, we are good to go,” he said.

Beyond transportation, Governor Oyebanji’s impact is visible in several other areas.

At the Adeyemi Stadium, old and worn-out chairs have been replaced, giving the arena a fresh and modern look. Work is also ongoing on the construction of a 900-capacity indoor sports hall a facility expected to serve as a breeding ground for future champions across multiple disciplines.

Perhaps the most heartwarming change, according to Dr. Osetoba, is in the welfare of athletes. For the first time in many years, stipends are being paid regularly, ensuring that athletes remain motivated and focused on their training. “The governor understands that an athlete’s morale is tied to how well they are treated. By paying stipends consistently, he has restored confidence, dignity, and drive to our sportsmen and women,” he noted.

The ripple effects are already being felt. Ekiti United Football Club now competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL), providing players with a bigger stage to showcase their talents. In hockey and volleyball, Ekiti teams have made significant progress, featuring in the premier and division two leagues respectively.

Even traditional sports are not left behind — a young girl who won a silver medal in Ayo Olopon has already been invited to the national team, proof that Oyebanji’s sporting revolution cuts across both modern and indigenous games.

Dr. Osetoba was emphatic in describing the unfolding transformation: “Governor Oyebanji has given sports a heartbeat in Ekiti. What we are witnessing is the birth of a new era.

With the right support systems, Ekiti will soon produce stars that will not only dominate in Nigeria but also shine on the global stage.”

Sports enthusiasts across the state have echoed similar sentiments, praising the governor for placing youth and sports at the heart of his administration’s development agenda.

For many, the story of Ekiti sports has shifted from years of neglect to a season of hope and promise. With better facilities, improved welfare, and renewed government attention, the state is finally on a steady path toward reclaiming its rightful place in the Nigerian sports arena.