Ayodele Oluwanisola, popularly known as Apostle Sholly, has expressed concern over the lack of investment in grassroots sports and its detrimental effects on the development of young athletes in Ekiti State.
In a message directed to stakeholders, Apostle Sholly called on the Ekiti State government, as well as state and federal lawmakers, to prioritize investments in sports development across the state.
For the past three months, Apostle Sholly has been touring sports facilities in Ekiti State, including the sports complex at Ekiti State University. His findings highlight a concerning state of neglect, with the complex lacking essential amenities such as seating, proper grass coverage, and basic sports equipment. The basketball court, he notes, is overgrown and abandoned, despite the university collecting fees from students and offering certificates for sports-related courses.
The situation is particularly alarming in the South and North Senatorial Districts, where many children have no access to essential sports infrastructure like basketball courts and standard football pitches. This lack of facilities has resulted in poor training conditions, career stagnation, loss of interest, depression, and an inability to compete with athletes from other states with better facilities.
Apostle Sholly advocates for the establishment of modern sports facilities, stressing that the youth’s dreams and aspirations can only be realized through substantial government investment in sports.
He concluded that investing in sports infrastructure would not only nurture young talent but also contribute to a healthier, more engaged, and empowered generation in Ekiti State.
