•••As Ogbonnaya clarifies salary reduction issue
The Ondo State Football Association, with other stakeholders has held a stakeholders’ meeting with management of Ondo State Football Agency to deliberate on the way forward for football development in the state and the revival of Sunshine Stars Football Club.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the football Agency in Akure focused on steps needed to reposition the state’s football structure and deliberated on how Sunshine Stars would return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Speaking at the meeting, theFA Chairman, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi,said the gathering was convened to review progress in the state’s football system and explore solutions to challenges affecting the club.
According to him, the association will “look at all angles” to find lasting solutions, stressing that the aim is to ensure the club gains promotion back to the elite league.
He emphasised unity and genuine commitment, noting that those present represented true football stakeholders who prioritize the growth of the sport in Ondo State.
Ajayi cautioned against distractions from self-acclaimed stakeholders, stressing that while constructive criticism was healthy, character attacks must be discouraged.
In his remarks, ODSFA Chairman, Divine Ogbonnaya, expressed gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed his dedication and commitment to collaborative efforts.
Ogbonnaya stated that the agency’s mission was aligned with the collective aspirations of all football enthusiasts in the state.
He added that with continuous support, the state’s football teams especially Sunshine Stars FC would achieve greater success
Ogbonnaya also acknowledged the consistent backing of Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing him as a passionate football lover who supports the agency’s policies wholeheartedly.
Stakeholders at the meeting encouraged the agency’s leadership to remain focused and steadfast in their commitment, urging them not to be distracted by detractors.
“On the recent reports making round about reduction of players and officials salaries, there is a performance related clause in the contracts which is subjected to review. We are not witch hunting anybody. We believe it is better than to sack then from the team, ” he said
Another stakeholder and former Vice Chairman of FA, Pastor Akinbogun Henry, urged the management to speak to the players, warning against indiscipline, particularly during matches, and called for the employment of quality coaches and players.
Also speaking, General Manager of the Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Lebi commended the Ondo FA for convening what she described as a “family meeting” and urged stakeholders to work together to achieve shared goals.
She said unity and synergy among stakeholders would help the association achieve its objectives and keep all parties on the same page.
Meanwhile, The Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Segun Giwa said the recently released communiqué by the association was to call attention of stakeholders to the dwindling fortune of sports in the state and to restore stability among the various stakeholders.
The Chairman of the State Referees Council Mrs Bola Ajayi, Secretary, said the meeting was long overdue and urged the association to carry other stakeholders along, adding that attention should also be paid to those working within the system.
