As the globe bestriding socio-economic benefits of football continues to increase, the Chairman of Ekiti State Football Association, Mr. Bayo Olanlege has charged societal stakeholders in the grassroots to sow seeds for the development of the game in their locals if they also want to share from the bountiful harvest.
Olanlege suggested that lack of investment in football at the grassroots has prevented innumerable Ekiti talents from growing to become stars and major contributors to societal development.
This formed the core of his message as he took his tour of Local Football Councils to Moba and Ido/Osi LFCs, where he admonished the local authorities and other football stakeholders to do more in terms of investing in football for the sake of scouting and nurturing young talents in their environment.
The FA Boss stressed that it has been proven that you only reap where you have sown and “If you don’t buy a ticket, you don’t win a lottery, if you don’t invest in football, you can’t get any of the benefits.”
Comrade Bunmi Ajimoko who received the Chairman and his team in Moba LG Secretariat identified with the message. He reminded everyone present at the Moba LG Chairman’s conference room which serves as the venue of the meeting, how he was buoyed by the interest and passion of Hon. Taye Fasuba who was then the Chairman of Ado LG, established at the time, Fasuba Babes, Ado Ekiti. The team which went on to win many laurels, discovered and nurtured many talents and did make a thin god and built a great followership for the young politician at the time. Fasuba Babes FC later metamorphosed into Fountain FC which is now known as Ekiti United FC when HE, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi fulfilled one of his campaign promises of making the amateur team at the time turn into a professional side.
Receiving the spirited Ekiti FA Chairman and his contingent, Hon. Sola Ogunsina – Chairman Ido Osi LG – who was compelled by the passionate message promised that while he is still in charge of the council, football will receive sufficient support.