By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-02-04 04:07:39
The athletes in Delta state are pushing for a sports technocrat to replace the outgoing chairman of the Delta Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa. With the end of Okowa’s tenure approaching in February, there is a fierce battle among aspirants for the top position. The athletes are appealing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori not to be swayed by potential candidates who are lobbying for the job in order to ensure that the state’s sports sector continues to thrive.
Under Okowa’s leadership, Team Delta has achieved remarkable success in national sports, winning the National Sports Festival on three occasions – Abuja 2018, Edo 2020, and Asaba 2022. Additionally, Team Delta has claimed victory in the National Youth Games a record seven times. The state has also hosted several national and international events, including the 2018 Senior African Athletics Championships, the 2022 National Sports Festival, and the National Youth Games in 2023. The athletes are hoping that the new chairman will uphold and further enhance these accomplishments.
Some of the athletes have identified Onoriode Oborevwori, also known as Onos, as a potential candidate for the position. Onos, a former player with Fragile FC of Warri, has a strong financial base and has made significant contributions to the local sports community. According to one track and field star, the incoming chairman should have a strong financial background to ensure that the athletes receive the necessary support, especially in times when government funds may be delayed. The athlete also highlighted Onos’ multiple investments, including hotels and sand distribution for building, which have provided him with a solid financial standing that could benefit the sports commission.
A volleyball player also endorsed Onos, citing his history of providing free sponsorship to local football clubs and athletes. Onos has been known to provide accommodations and sponsorships to athletes and clubs, demonstrating a commitment to the development of sports at the grassroots level. The athletes see him as a philanthropist who can bring much-needed financial support to the sports sector in the state.
According to a female weightlifter, Onos’ ability to use his personal funds to sponsor athletes and clubs until government funds become available is crucial, especially given the bureaucratic nature of government processes. She noted that Onos has generously accommodated the Delta Babes female football club for two years in his house in Warri, free of charge, illustrating his dedication to nurturing local sports talent and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed.
In conclusion, the athletes of Delta state are advocating for a leader in the sports commission who possesses a strong financial base and a philanthropic spirit. They believe that Onoriode Oborevwori, or Onos, is capable of filling this role based on his track record of supporting local sports clubs and athletes with his personal funds and resources. They hope that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will take their recommendations into consideration as he decides on the next chairman of the Delta Sports Commission.
