Nigeria’s ex-international footballer and former General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Mr. Mutiu Adepoju, has lauded Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, for significantly improving sports development in the state.
Speaking in an interview with The People’s Verdict, Adepoju stated that sporting activities in Oyo State have witnessed a rebirth under Makinde’s administration.
“In the past, Team Oyo State was not really doing well in the National Sports Festival. But in the last two editions, they did quite well. In the last one, we were fifth or sixth, and our athletes won so many medals, which is good. We can do better, but we are not doing badly,” he said.
Adepoju also highlighted the transformation of 3SC, noting that before Makinde assumed office, the team played in the Nigerian National League (NNL), the country’s second-tier football division. Today, the club is a strong force in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“3SC has fared well under Governor Makinde. Two seasons ago, they narrowly missed qualifying for continental football. Last season, they started very well but faltered at some point. That happens sometimes. But overall, I believe 3SC has done very well under Governor Makinde. I’ve never heard of funds not getting to them,” he added.
On infrastructural development, Adepoju praised the governor’s efforts in rehabilitating sports facilities across the state.
“I was part of the inauguration of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex. The stadium is top-notch—of international standards—and one of the best facilities around. Other stadia, like the Olubadan Stadium, have also been upgraded. All these have contributed to improving sports in the state,” he noted.
On grassroots sports development, Adepoju said there have been visible improvements, although there is still room for growth.
“There has been a change, although it can get better. You can never have enough of good things. But in that aspect, he has tried. Things can still get better,” he said.
The former 3SC gaffer also commended Governor Makinde for fulfilling a 28-year-old promise made to the 1998 Shooting Stars squad that won the National League and WAFU Cup.
According to Adepoju, the then Military Administrator of the state, CP Amen Oyakhire, had promised land and monetary rewards to the victorious team. However, the promise remained unfulfilled until Makinde approved the allocation of land plots to the players and officials.
“We have to thank Governor Makinde for that. It’s been 28 years. We have to acknowledge what he has done and say ‘thank you’ to him. I am sure that the players involved are going to be very grateful to the governor,” Adepoju stated.
He also praised Makinde for his broader infrastructure interventions.
“The administration of Makinde has been good; it has been positive. I have seen roads being constructed and many facilities coming up. So, the administration is a positive one,” Adepoju concluded.
