The newly appointed General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Olamidekun Lebi, has called on coaches, athletes, and sports stakeholders to embrace peace, dialogue, and unity for the growth of sports in the state.
The appeal comes in the wake of a protest by some sports union leaders, athletes, and stakeholders over her appointment, which temporarily led to the closure of the main gate of the Akure Sports Complex.
In a telephone interview, Mrs Lebi urged stakeholders to see her as one of their own, highlighting her over a decade of meritorious service within the Ondo State Sports Council.
“I understand the concerns being expressed, but I appeal for calm and cooperation. Sports can only grow in an atmosphere of unity. I am ready to work with everyone for the advancement of sports in Ondo State,” she said.
She further assured that her administration would prioritise athletes’ welfare and work closely with dedicated coaches to revive sporting activities across the state. Mrs Lebi said her leadership style would be inclusive, collaborative, and focused on sustainable development.
A seasoned sports administrator and former national athlete from Ondo West Local Government Area, Mrs Lebi attended St. Monica’s Girls Grammar School, Ondo, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), as well as Master’s degrees from OAU and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
Her experience spans multiple sports, including football, basketball, wrestling, and martial arts.
She is a former member of the Ondo State Football Agency, a registered member of the Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation, and has represented Ondo State in several national and international competitions.
She also served as Organising Secretary for Sunshine Queens Football Club and was actively involved in administering female basketball, wrestling, and other sports under the Sports Council.
Until her appointment, she was the Director of Sports at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi, met with the management of the Ondo State Sports Council to brief them on the new development, urging full cooperation with the new General Manager.
He described Mrs Lebi as a qualified and seasoned sports administrator capable of repositioning sports in the state.
Mrs Evelyn Lebi succeeds Mr Sunday Fagite, who recently retired from the civil service.
