Gov Aiyedatiwa hosts Super Falcons player, Oluwatosin Demehin

………Says his administration is commited to supporting sports development in Ondo State

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa Monday, emphasised that his administration is commited to supporting the development of sports in the State.

The Governor made this emphasis at the civic reception for Ondo State indigenes amongst the victorious Super Falcons at the 2024 edition of WAFCON, at the Cocoa Conference hall, Akure.

While recognising the importance of nurturing young talents and providing them with the necessary resources to excel, the Governor pledged to continue to work tirelessly to create an enabling environment that will foster the growth of sports and encourage the youths to reach their full potential.

The Governor also pledged to give maximum support to the Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure to ensure quick return of the team to the nation’s premier league.

He appreciated President Tinubu for the celebration, recognition and reward accorded to the victorious Falcons, adding that the impact of this gesture on the psyche of sports men and women across the country cannot be quantified.

The Governor congratulated Oluwatosin Demehin and other members of her team, Mary Akinsola, the team’s media officer and Mary Oduboku, the team Secretary, stressing that they have made the State proud.

As a reward, the Governor gifted Tosin Demehin, with ₦30 million cash and a house at Sunshine Estate in Oba-Ile, Akure. Also, Mary Akinsola and Mary Oduboku the sum of ₦15 million cash.

Demehin Oluwatosin hails from Ilaje LGA, Mary Akinsola, from Okitipupa LGA and Mary Oduboku from Ilaje LGA.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi promised the Governor that sports would continue to soar in the state with consistent support and strategic investment.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Dele Sunday Ajayi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for being the first state governor to honour Super Falcons players and officials who hailed from the State, describing the act as a strong motivation for upcoming athletes.

Responding, Tosin Demehin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and the people of Ondo State for the warm reception and generous reward.

“Receiving this honour from my home state means the world to me. As a former Sunshine Queens player, I know there is massive potential in women’s football here. This support gives hope to many young girls with dreams like mine,” she said.

Demehin also called on stakeholders to rally behind the development of women’s football in the state, stressing that the growth of Nigerian football both male and female is a collective responsibility.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Commisioner for Environment, Prof Tob Loko, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Seun Osamaye, Chairman, ODIRS, Mr Bayo Rojugbokan, Ondo State Football Agency ( OSFA) board members led by the Chairman, Otunba Dele Ajayi, political appointees, among others.