Ekiti State is set to shine once again on the continental stage as its athletic prodigy, Solomon Esan, prepares to represent Nigeria at the prestigious Africa Youths Games in Angola scheduled to kickoff in December 10th 2025.
The 400m sensation from Gbonyin Local Government Area will join the national team for a mandatory training camp in Abuja, a crucial step before the continental showdown scheduled for December.
This opportunity, however, was nearly missed due to logistical hurdles. But in a move that emphasizes the state government’s commitment to its young talents, immediate intervention ensured Esan’s journey to glory remained on track.
The successful mobilization of Esan is a direct testament to the robust sports development framework championed by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
The Governor’s unwavering desire to nurture Ekiti’s homegrown potential into world-class excellence is now yielding tangible results.
This vision has been systematically actualized through a series of strategic investments in the state’s sports sector. Key achievements fueling this new era of athletic prominence include:
· The Provision of Regular Stipends: An unprecedented initiative that now provides consistent financial support to state coaches, significantly boosting morale and dedication.
· Infrastructure Revamp: The recent upgrade of the state’s boxing arena and the provision of a dedicated bus for the Athletics Association, enhancing training conditions.
· A Proven Blueprint for Success: This model of state support follows a proven blueprint for creating champions.
While receiving the 400m Sensation in a courtesy visit to his office,the technical Advisor Youth Inclusion Hon.Ayo Ojo maintained that the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji remains committed and unapologetic to the development of Ekiti youths in the sporting field.He noted that his office remains opened to render support that will bring to fruition the Governor’s mandate for Ekiti youths.
Recall that this same operational framework was pivotal in the rise of Fakorede Adekalu,who the technical Advisor youth inclusion Hon. Ayo Ojo nicknamed ‘Kalu the Bullet,’ during a similar visit to his office,providing critical intervention that propelled him to international stardom, where he famously anchored Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team to victory at the All Africa Games.
With Solomon Esan now securely in camp, all of Ekiti State rallies behind him, anticipating another chapter of sporting excellence and the hoisting of the state’s flag on the international stage.
