The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has made a significant contribution to youth and sports development with the donation of sporting equipment to the Ekiti State Sports Council. The presentation ceremony took place at her office in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, the Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Toyin Adepoju, emphasized that the donation which included quality soccer balls, goal nets, and other essential training materials symbolized more than just physical items.
“This gesture is a demonstration of my belief in the power of sports to unite, inspire, and transform lives. Across the globe, football is more than a game; it is a platform for talent discovery, community engagement, and national pride,” she said.
Highlighting the abundance of untapped talent among Ekiti youth, the First Lady stressed the importance of equipping young athletes with the right tools and resources. She noted that sports foster not only physical fitness but also instill core values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Addressing the Sports Council, coaches, and young athletes, Dr. Oyebanji encouraged them to make good use of the equipment.
“May these tools enhance your training and fuel your dreams. Keep pushing boundaries, keep believing, and never stop representing Ekiti with honour,” she urged.
Earlier in her remarks, the Technical Advisor on Sports to the Governor, Dr. Sola Osetoba, praised the First Lady for her generosity in providing sporting equipment worth millions of naira to boost the performance of the sports sector in Ekiti State.
She reiterated that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains committed to youth empowerment through sports and called on well-meaning sons and daughters of Ekiti to emulate the First Lady’s noble gesture.
The event was attended by members of the Ekiti State Sports Council and representatives of the Ekiti Football Club.
The donation marks another milestone in Dr. Oyebanji’s continued efforts to empower young people across the state through education, the promotion of Adire Ekiti, and now, sports development.
