EKITI’S GOLDEN BOY-ESAN DEDICATES MEDAL TO GOVERNOR OYEBANJI AS HE SETS SIGHTS ON WORLD STAGE
... EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO YOUTH INCLUSION CHIEF AYO OJO
By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole
Ekiti’s newest continental champion, Esan Tosin Solomon, has attributed his success to the supportive intervention of the state Governor Mr.Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
The athlete, fresh from winning Gold at the 2025 African Youth Games in Angola, paid a gratitude visit to the office of the Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion, Hon. Ayo Ojo, in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
Accompanied by his coach, Abudu Ojo popularly called “Ode”, the champion from Aisegaba, Gbonyi LGA, revealed that timely financial support from Hon. Ojo’s office was crucial when he was nearly forced out of the competition in Angola due to constraints. He also thanked the TA for his consistent support during urgent needs.
In his response, Hon. Ayo Ojo dedicated Solomon’s victory to the youth-centric vision of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. He assured the duo of the administration’s unwavering commitment to sports development, highlighting ongoing initiatives like the new indoor sports stadium, increased stipends for coaches, and the comprehensive transformation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, which includes a new football turf and modern seating.
He emphasized that his office is strategically positioned to ensure Ekiti youths are Seen, Heard, Valued, and Supported,”hence he charged the ‘Golden Boy’-Esan not to rest on his oars, stressing that his best is yet to come and reaffirming that his office remains open for continued support.
Hon. Ojo also issued a clarion call to individuals and corporate bodies, noting that government cannot shoulder the responsibility alone. “Supporting our talented youth is a collective responsibility,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Coach Abudu confirmed that five key programs have been lined up this year to qualify Solomon for the World Under-20 Championships.
The champion, who also won silver at the Nigeria Under-17 CAA championships with Gold and Silver at the South-West Under-18 event, echoed the call for more financial and moral backing to conquer the world stage.
