NAN-S-23
Sponsorship
By Adedeji Egbebi
Ado-Ekiti, March 22, 2017 (NAN) The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Lanre Ogunsuyi, on Wednesday said there was an immediate need for private sector investment in grassroot sports in the state.
Ogunsuyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti that due to paucity of funds the state government alone could not sponsor all the sports competitions in the state.
“Private organisations and individuals need to come round and give good support to sports in the state.’’
He said only football was being sponsored by the state government, through Ekiti United FC of Ado-Ekiti, while other sports needed urgent attention and sponsorship.
The commissioner identified the sports needing support as handball, basketball, judo and volleyball, saying the state’s sports organs could not organise competitions because of lack of sponsorship.
He urged the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ekiti State chapter, to assist with regular publicity and news reportage to attract sponsors for the sports.
Ogunsuyi also challenged sports writers to enlighten state government officials and private individuals on measures which could be taken to promote sports and empower youths in the state.
“We are however grateful and happy with the current activities of SWAN in the state, especially in reporting sports competitions.
“The state government will continue to support the Association and its activities.
“I also want to assure sports men and women, as well as coaches, that government will continue to promote sports development in Ekiti state,’’ he said.(NAN)
DJ/CEO/OLAL
============
(Edited by Chidi Opara and Olawale Alabi)