Ekiti recalls sports council head from national games over athletes’ poor kitting

Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti, has recalled Adekunle Adeyemi, the general manager of the state sports council, from the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta, over the poor kitting of the state’s athletes.

The directive, according to a statement on Sunday, followed the shabby appearance of the state contingent at the march-past event during the opening ceremony of the National Youths Games.

Photos of the kits have gone viral on social media, with some users calling out the state government.

Shame on Ekiti State… Big shame🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/flvaMCMy8e

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— Olúyẹmí Fásípè AICMC (@YemieFash) September 23, 2023

Governor @biodunaoyebanji , this is how Ekiti young stars are representing the state at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta state. After seeing other states' kits and dressings, I assumed the Ekiti Sports Council undermined the potential and talents of these amazing… pic.twitter.com/qkE7xrc3jj

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— SALAWU||OMOIYAONIPAKO (@salawueedris1) September 24, 2023

In the statement, the governor directed Adeyemi to return home immediately and explain the circumstances leading to the shabby kitting of the state athletes at the opening session.

The state sports council head was also directed to hand over to the next most senior official at the games.

The official who will act as head of the delegation is to oversee the welfare and well-being of the athletes at the competition.

Taiwo Olatunbosun, the state commissioner for information, described the development as “unfortunate and regrettable”.

The commissioner maintained that the state government made adequate provisions for the team’s participation at the games.

Olatunbosun restated the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to provide platforms for Ekiti youths to exhibit their talents in line with the youth development and job creation agenda of the administration.