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The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has been made the Grand Patron of the Oyo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
A press statement signed by Oyo SWAN Chairman Mr Niyi Alebiosu and the Association’s Secretary Mr Adewale Tijani, disclosed that the investiture will hold on Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Governors’ Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Explaining why Governor Ajimobi was appointed as the Grand Patron of Oyo SWAN, the State Chairman of the body of sports writers, Mr Niyi Alebiosu said the governor deserved the honour because of his innovation in sports and his administration’s unprecedented steps in developing sustainable super structures for the development of sports in the state, in spite of financial obstacles limiting the capability of the state government.
Mr Alebiosu recalled that the present administration in the state created a unique, conducive forum for football fans in the state to enjoy the thrills and frills of the 2019 World Cup held in Russia with the establishment of a large viewing centre at the Lekan Salami stadium.
“Governor Ajimobi, through the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Mr Yomi Oke, gave us the pleasure to watch all the World Cup games free of charge in a very conducive atmosphere befitting the VIPs”, the Oyo SWAN Chairman pointed out.
He also reminded sports fans and stakeholders that the same governor approved the renovations of Lekan Salami stadium.
The Oyo SWAN Chairman explained that Ajimobi’s investiture, as Grand Patron is the association’s way of appreciating the profound contributions of the governor and motivate him for greater deeds.
“This is our own little way of appreciating and spurring on His Excellency to do more for sports in the state. We want Governor Ajimobi to return Oyo state to its former status as a sports friendly state”, Mr Alebiosu stated