The newly appointed General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Olamidekun Lebi (GL 16/9), has appealed to aggrieved coaches and athletes to embrace peace, unity and dialogue in the collective interest of sports development in the state.
Mrs Lebi made the appeal following a protest by some sports union leaders, athletes and stakeholders over her appointment, which resulted in the temporary closure of the main gate of the sports complex in Akure.
Speaking in a telephone interview, the new General Manager urged coaches and athletes to see her as one of their own, stressing that she has spent over a decade serving meritoriously within the Ondo State Sports Council and remains deeply committed to its progress.
“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.
Mrs Lebi assured stakeholders of her readiness to prioritise athletes’ welfare and work closely with dedicated coaches to revive sporting activities across the state. She noted that her leadership style would be inclusive, collaborative and focused on sustainable development.
A seasoned sports administrator and former national athlete, Mrs Lebi hails from Ondo West Local Government Area. She 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).
She is a former member of the Ondo State Football Agency and a registered member of the Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation, having represented Ondo State in several national and international competitions. Her vast experience spans multiple sports, including football, basketball, wrestling and martial arts.
Mrs Lebi has also served as Organising Secretary to Sunshine Queens Football Club and has been actively involved in the administration of female basketball, wrestling and other sports under the Sports Council. Until her recent 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 recent developments and urged staff to cooperate fully with the new General Manager.
Describing her as a qualified and seasoned sports administrator, the commissioner expressed confidence in her ability to reposition sports in the state.
Mrs Evelyn Lebi succeeds Mr Sunday Fagite, who recently retired from the civil service.
