The Acting General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council (OSSC), Evelyn Lebi, has officially resumed duty, pledging to prioritise the revival and development of grassroots sports across the state.
Lebi made the promise on Monday while speaking with sports journalists at her office in Akure shortly after assuming office as the council’s chief administrator. She said her focus would be on discovering and nurturing young talents from communities across the state, rather than concentrating sporting activities in the state capital alone.
Her appointment was conveyed through a letter signed by the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, earlier in January. She was received by management and staff of the council amid a warm reception.
Expressing gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Lebi assured staff of an open-door policy and inclusive leadership, stressing that collective effort was essential to achieving meaningful sports development.
According to her, the growth of sports in the state depends on expanding athlete discovery beyond Akure and strengthening zonal offices to ensure wider participation. She noted that increased equipment supply and personnel deployment to zonal centres would aid talent discovery and proper athlete development.
“Sports has become a global business and a source of livelihood for many youths. There are talents everywhere in the state, but if we don’t go out to discover and nurture them, we cannot build a strong sports system,” she said.
Lebi also emphasised staff welfare, stating that coaches and officers would be encouraged and supported to scout talents in schools and local communities. She called on staff, coaches and athletes to cooperate with her, describing them as the engine room of sports development.
“I cannot do this alone. With unity and cooperation, we can reposition sports in the state and return to the glory days,” she added.
Lebi, a former hockey player, has served as secretary of several sports associations including Wrestling, Table Tennis, Scrabble and Traditional Sports. Until her appointment, she was the Director of Sports at the Ondo State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
