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The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has applauded the steps taken so far by Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare.
In a press release by his Chief Press Officer, Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin described Dare’s appointment as a manifestation of competence over partisanship. This, he said, is a pointer that the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari would be focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
The Alaafin applauded Dare for his carriage, calmness and display of knowledge, especially in the communication sector during his screening by the Senate. “It is clear that the president did not make any mistake in his choice”, the monarch said.
Calling on the people of Oyo State to support the minister, the Alafin said: “As a true and beloved son, we are sure he would succeed. We therefore must give him maximum support to ensure that apart from his contributions at the national level, Oyo state also benefits from having our son in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).”
“Dare, who hails from Ogbomoso in Oyo State has been living by example in ensuring that his tenure would bring transformation to sports in the country, he added.
He continued: “We are not unmindful of the fact that the Sports Minister not only inspected all the National Stadia in the country, but chose the National Stadium, Abuja, as his office.
“Besides, the appointment of Mary Onyali, an Olympic Medalist as his Special Adviser was another milestone in the Minister’s commitment towards transforming sporting activities in the country.
Alaafin then charged the management and staff of the Ministry to “roll up their sleeves and get ready for work,” declaring that “the ministry is critical to the realisation of Mr. President’s agenda of lifting 40 million Nigerians out of poverty”
He emphasised that the youth was key to the development of any nation.
Oba Adeyemi then charged the minister to avoid distraction and make integrity his watchword.
“Having integrity means being totally honest and truthful in every part of your life,” he said. “By making the commitment to become a totally honest person, you will be doing more to ensure your success and happiness in life.
“Integrity is a value, like persistence, courage, and intelligence. It is integrity that enhances all your other values. The quality of person you are is determined by how well you live up to the values that are most important to you. Integrity is the quality that locks in your values and causes you to live consistent with them.”