By Our Correspondent

Governor State of Osun Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has said that the state is desirous to producing world stars in every category of sports as his administration will continue to give sports and youth development a top priority.

Governor Oyetola stated this at the Government House, Osogbo while receiving Nigerian football legends and ex-internationals such as former Super Eagles stars Jay Jay Okocha, Ike Shorunmu, Mutiu Adepoju, Duke Udi, Friday Ekpo, Femi Opabunmi and many others in the early hours of Thursday.

The Governor, who appreciated contributions of these soccer legends for being good ambassadors of the country during and after their sojourn in the world of sports urged the youths to emulate them.

“It’s a pleasure receiving you in our dear state, a state blessed with several national and international stars. Your contributions to the development of the round leather game in Nigeria have made you relevant on and off the pitch, which is a testimony to the level at which sports can take one to.

“Our desire is to produce football kings like you as well as in other categories of sports and we have set the machinery in motion by creating platforms for our youth to showcase their talents. Through this, many talents shall be discovered and nurtured to stardom,” said Governor Oyetol

Earlier in his address of welcome, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Yemi Lawal who appreciated their visit assured that the ministry has been given a mandate to develop sports from the grassroots and that very soon, the policy will soon produce stars from all categories of sports

There was a remark by the former mercurial midfielder and Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha on behalf of others who lauded Governor Oyetola and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for embarking on policies and programs that are sacrosanct for sports to thrive in Osun.

The soccer legends who are presently at Ile-Ogbo for the flag-off a soccer academy will feature in a novelty match between Executive and Legislative arms of government 4pm today at the Osogbo Township stadium.

Among the cabinet members who received the ex-Internationals at the government house include Commissioner for Works Engr Remi Omowaye, Commissioner for Special Duty and Regional Integration Engr. Lekan Badmus among others.