UK-Based Football Coach Victor Ajayi Calls for Attitudinal Change and Stakeholder Support in Ekiti Sports Development
Victor Olanrewaju Ajayi, a UK-based football coach and a shining ambassador for Ekiti State in the diaspora, has emphasized the critical need for a change in attitude to achieve desired sports development in Nigeria. Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ekiti State chapter, known as the SWAN ROUNDTABLE, Coach Ajayi urged all stakeholders to align their efforts to ensure the realization of the state’s sports vision.
The retired footballer, who once served as the Team Manager of Ekiti United FC, shared insights into how sports are managed in developed countries, underlining that the responsibility extends beyond the government. He pointed out that both retired and active sportsmen and women, coaches, administrators, and other stakeholders all play pivotal roles in the holistic development of sports.
Coach Ajayi identified negative attitudes, negligence, incompetence, dishonesty, and lack of commitment as obstacles to sports development in Nigeria. He commended Ekiti State for having a passionate sports personality as its governor but stressed the importance of appointing genuinely committed individuals to lead the newly formed Sports Commission.
Moreover, Coach Ajayi called upon sports stakeholders to support the governor and the appointees of the Sports Commission, emphasizing the urgency of aligning with the present administration’s aspirations.
As a CAF B and UEFA License Football coach with a second degree in coaching from the United Kingdom, Coach Victor Ajayi highlighted the essential qualities of certification, experience, technical expertise, and discipline for coaches and administrators in the sports industry. He stressed that while sports development is not a complex endeavor, it requires a conducive environment, facilities, and competent professionals.
Coach Ajayi recalled attempts by foreign partners to construct a modern baseball and softball pitch in Ekiti State, expressing regret that unforeseen circumstances had hindered the project’s realization.
He also called for a government policy that supports both education and sports for the youth and encouraged private investment in sports to reduce dependence on government funding. He underscored the potential of sports to uplift communities and emphasized the need for respect for human rights, honesty, diligence, and enhanced sponsorship efforts by those responsible for sports administration.
Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) had the opportunity to ask pertinent questions, gaining insights into the differences between sports administration in Nigeria and developed countries during the SWAN ROUNDTABLE. Coach Victor Ajayi, alongside Coach Rotimi Ibosiola, made a generous cash donation and pledged support for the new SBV initiative of the Association, cementing his commitment to the advancement of sports in Ekiti State.
