The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in Ondo has asked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to declare a state of emergency on sports facilities. 

SWAN decried the “dwindling fortunes of sport” in Ondo in a statement on Monday by its chairman, Segun Giwa and the secretary, Joseph Adesuyan.

“As a critical sports stakeholder in Ondo State, we passionately appeal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as a matter of urgency, to declare a state of emergency on government sporting facility in the state for a quick turnaround of results,” the statement said. 

SWAN added, “Sunshine Stars’ journey within the second week of December had been very rough, travelling around the country in a span of seven days with a rickety bus. They played in Ikenne, Ogun state, penultimate Saturday, back to Akure on Sunday, and hit the road again on Monday to honour their rescheduled match day 13 against Enyimba International in Aba.

“They journeyed back to Akure on Thursday and arrived in Minna on Saturday afternoon to face a much improved Niger Tornadoes the following day.

“In the same vein, the National Sports Festival beckons, yet there is no artificial track, good indoor sports hall, or healthy swimming pool to train athletes from the state.” 

In June, Mr Aiyedatiwa approved the renovation of the sports facility, awarding the contract to Reform Sports West Africa.

However, during its September congress, SWAN expressed concerns about the abandonment of the Akure Township Stadium despite approval for its renovation by Mr Aiyedatiwa.

SWAN noted that nothing was done three months after the contract for the stadium renovation was awarded, stalling athletes’ access to the stadium. 

Saka Ogunleye, the youths and sports commissioner, reacting to the claims of SWAN, said work was ongoing at the site.

“Be informed that the contractor has since moved to the site, with the construction work ongoing at the hockey pitch where the old synthetic surface at the football pitch will be used.

“The contractor has started work since his mobilisation, removing the old surface for the hockey pitch and ready to lay a new one having been procured,” said a statement by the commissioner.