By Our Cotrespondent

As part of efforts to boost business and sports in Ekiti State, the Chairman of the State Sports Council, Dr. Isaac Ayodele has set up a 9-man committee to organize a sports sponsorship/business drive tagged “Ekiti Sports Business Round Table Breakfast”.

Inaugurating the committee in Ado Ekiti, Dr. Ayodele said that the initiative which was being organized in partnership with the Fountain Holding Ltd, is expected to have captains of industries and business community in the same platform in an attempt to elicit reasonable sponsorship of sports programmes in the State.

Ayodele added that the State would also use the opportunity presented by the proposed forum to introduce the attendees to the myriad of investment opportunities in the State.

He said “Sports has not only become business but a driver to drive businesses. It used to be for entertainment alone but not anymore. It is now used to drive businesses and grassroots development.

“It is expected to bring captains of industries and business community to the same platform which would give Fountain Holdings Ltd, the opportunity to introduce the investment opportunities in the State and the entire business community can interact with them.

“Insurance, banking, oil & gas, etcetera would all have the opportunity for extensive interaction and networking at the forum”, he stated.

The Sports Council Chairman added that a virtual version of the forum would hold at a later date to provide equal opportunity for potential sponsors and investors outside the country to invest in the State or sponsor the programmes.

In his remarks, the General Manager, Chief Deji Samo described the Chairman as a man of innovation and that the Ekiti State Sports will be at the top when his ideas are implemented.
Chief Samo said that with these ideas, the Sports Council can now generate funds without having to burden the Government whenever funds are needed.

The General Manager reiterated the commitment of the staff of the State Sports Council towards developing sports in the grassroots, ‘’people need to know that we can build champions here in Ekiti and make them globally recognized”.

He also assured the Chairman and committee of the full support from the staff of the Sports Council.

Reacting to these, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Akinlabi Francis appreciated the Chairman of the State Sports Council for the opportunity given to him to serve in the committee. He then promised on behalf of all members of the committee, to deliver and make the program a success.

The committee chaired by Hon. Akinlabi Francis includes, Mrs. Adeleke Adebimpe, Mr. Oladele Kunle, Mr. A.A Adelugba, Mrs. E.K Fadahunsi and Mrs. M.A Adegbuji.

Others are, Mr. Isiaka Oluyemi, Mr Ibidunmoye Oluwaseun and Mr Oyewole Samuel.