From Recreation to Wealth and Jobs Creation
By Segun Dipe
October 2022: BAO took oath and gave one assurance — “Sports will not be ‘play-play’ again in Ekiti.”
Three years, going to four, it’s not ‘talk-talk’. It’s FIFA grass, tartan tracks, new buses, regular pay, and medals. BAO’s formula is direct: Fix facilities. Pay athletes. Build champions from the grassroots up.
1. Institutional Reform: Sports Set Free
BAO kept his word by establishing a full Ekiti State Sports Commission outside the ministry. Financial independence + operational freedom = faster decisions. He also inaugurated sporting associations and built an enabling environment where sports now runs like a business, not a department.
2. Infrastructure: From Ruins to World-Class
BAO met Oluyemi Kayode Stadium abandoned. He rebuilt it to global standard:
- Astroturf FIFA pitch imported from Italy + new tartan athletics tracks
- VIP stand, covered terrace, renovated buildings + modern admin block
- Floodlights installed — night games are now normal
- 900-seater Indoor Sports Hall rising at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion. N7.6bn contract for basketball, volleyball, handball, boxing, judo, gymnastics, chess, rugby, kickboxing + table tennis equipment
- Boxing ring, weights lifting room renovated, basketball uprights replaced, Red Cross office provided
- Permanent hostel/camp constructed for Ekiti Queens FC + upgraded hostels for football clubs
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter, calls it proof of passion for youth sports. Athletes now train like pros, not beggars.
3. Athlete Welfare: Dignity Restored
BAO knows morale = performance. For the first time in years, Ekiti athletes get monthly stipends and regular salaries for football clubs, plus Christmas gifts, equipment and jerseys.
- 2 brand-new coaster buses bought + old buses repaired
- Salary increments approved for players + awards for athletes
All to ensure players rest well, recover well, win well.
4. Grassroots to Glory: Homegrown Champions
BAO: “We’re building world champions here. Not just a hall — a centre of excellence.”
Proof at 9th National Youth Games, Asaba: Ekiti’s first-ever basketball gold.
Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Adviser, runs the engine. She scouts talent from school comps on new facilities, vets every U15 jersey, and enforces BAO’s rule: “We did not buy players.” Technical crews are also trained to sustain the pipeline.
Results: Ekiti United FC in Nigeria National League. Ekiti Queens 4th in NWFL with a new feeders team. Female cricket team promoted to Super 8. Handball boosted — female assistant coach invited to national team, Algeria intermediate handballers engaged, fiber sticks provided for hockey.
5. Sports = Economy + Tourism
BAO is turning sports into an economic engine.
- Ikogosi 17.5km Road Race: 2nd edition Nov 8, 2025. Positioning Ekiti as global tourism + athletics hub. 500+ youths trained as volunteers.
- Prof. Akin Oyebode Football Tournament: 4th edition, cash prizes for winners as “structured grassroots pipeline”.
- Rugby and other sports introduced to widen opportunities.
6. Vision: Sports = Wealth + Security
BAO: “Sport is a weapon to stamp out poverty, joblessness and crime.” House Committee on Sports agrees — the indoor hall will “stem internet fraud and robbery by tapping talent for self-development.” Every athlete engaged is one youth diverted from crime.
Bottom Line
In under 4 years, BAO moved Ekiti sports from neglect to national relevance. Commission established. Stadium rebuilt. Indoor hall rising. Athletes paid. Buses on ground. Homegrown U15 kids winning gold under Dr. Osetoba’s technical watch.
Ekiti is no longer just watching sports on TV. Under BAO, Ekiti is producing sportsmen and women for the world stage.
Know this. Know peace.
Segun Dipe, Publicity Secretary, APC Ekiti State & Co-Director Media/Communications, BAO 2026 Campaign
