As part of efforts to reduce acts of hooliganism, reduce involvement in crime and encourage team work amongst youths in Ondo state, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is partnering with Ondo state government to renovate some sporting facilities in the state.
Ondo state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Bamidele Ologun, revealed that the renovation will commence before the end of the year while playing host to the representative of the RCCG in Akure, Ondo state.
Ologun said: “Having realised that government cannot develop sports alone, then we approached the church to come and partner with us in renovating the stadium, thank God they have accepted our offer.
“The Church has sent their Director of Sports, Dr Paul Bankole, to assess the stadium and he promised that total renovation of the stadium will commence before the end of the year, while this will be done in recognition of the founder of the church, Pa Josiah Akindayomi.”
The General Manager of Ondo State Sports Council, Mr Henry Babatunde, while thanking the church for accepting to be part of sports development in the state, said there are lots of hidden talents in Ondo kingdom.
He added that the stadium after renovation will serve as a hub for development of budding talents in the state as a whole.
According to him, “It’s a thing of joy for me and I am sure our athletes and their coaches would be happy with the new development”.
The sports director of the RCCG, Dr Paul Bankole, while responding said he was impressed with what is on ground, saying all they needed to do is to carry out some renovations in the stadium.
He said the innovation, will bring development, promotion and introduce some science and technology into what we have on ground, saying this is potential catchment area for the youths.
Some of the coaches and athletes at the stadium expressed joy over the new development.
They described the initiative as superb.
