Oyo State Governor, ’Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration has successfully developed the state’s sports economy over the past six years through deliberate policies and investments.
Speaking on Saturday at the opening of the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), held at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan, the governor reaffirmed his government’s commitment to sustaining sports development across the state.
The gathering coincided with the U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers between Nigeria and Rwanda, staged at the remodeled Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, a project spearheaded by the Makinde-led administration.
Makinde noted that support from the NFF and other stakeholders had enabled Oyo State to rebuild critical sports infrastructure, thereby attracting both national and international sporting events. He further emphasized that Ibadan now possesses the facilities to host major competitions, including Super Eagles matches.
“Ibadan wants to host big events—Super Eagles matches included. Let the relevant authorities assess our facilities. Whatever is needed, we will commit resources to ensure Oyo remains a leading hub for sports,” the governor said.
He praised the NFF for reforms in the Nigeria Premier Football League and called for innovative ways to attract business sponsorships to grow local football, while also suggesting the idea of a five-year single term for federation leadership to ensure continuity.
In his response, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau commended Makinde for his remarkable contributions to sports, particularly his support for Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) and the renovation of the Lekan Salami Stadium. Gusau assured that the Super Eagles would soon play in Ibadan, describing the city as a “historic home of Nigerian football.”
Also present at the event were former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, top Oyo State officials, and members of the governor’s cabinet.
