….Ekiti Recalls Sports Council Boss over Athletes’ Poor Kitting

*Olarinoye wins three gold for Lagos in weightlifting. Edo picks cycling gold 

Gbenga Sodeinde  in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has recalled the General Manager of the State’s Sports Council, Mr. Adekunle Adeyemi, from the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State to account for the poor kitting of the state’s athletes at the opening ceremony on Saturday. 

The directive followed the shabby appearance of the state’s contingent at the march-past event of the opening ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Adeyemi is expected to explain circumstances leading to the shabby kitting of the athletes aptly captured and gone viral on the social media.

He was directed to hand over to the next most senior official of the state at the Games and return home immediately. 

The official who will act as head of the delegation, is to oversee the welfare and wellbeing of the athletes at the competition. 

A statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, and  made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, described the development as unfortunate. 

It however added  that the Ekiti State would take full responsibility for the regrettable incident.

The Commissioner, however maintained that the state government made adequate provision for the team’s participation at the Games. 

He restated the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to providing platforms for Ekiti youths to exhibit their God – given talents in line with the youth development and job creation agenda of his administration.

Meanwhile, Florence Olarinoye of Lagos State yesterday won all three gold medals  in the 49kg class of the female weightlifting event on the Day 2 of the ongoing National Youth Games  in Asaba.

Aged just 13, the younger sister to Adenike Adijat Olarinoye – Africa and Commonwealth Champion – Florence showed class and vision as she outlifted her opponents to secure the all-important three gold medals for Lagos.

Also yesterday, Team Edo cyclists won Gold and Bronze medals of the cycling event. The team won the medals in the  40Km road race cycling event in the female category on Sunday.

Young cyclist Divine Ogbe of Edo beat strong opposition Atanda Damola Hikmat from Kwara State to win the gold medal, while her  teammate,  Osaretin Godwin, settled for the Bronze medal.