Cabal Frustrated Amosun's Efforts From Developing Sports In Ogun - Mama Gateway

Alhaja Kudirat Odebiyi

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji 

ABEOKUTA - Contrary to belief in some quarters that former governor Ibikunle Amosun's administration failed to develop sports in Ogun state, a renowned and ardent Nigeria football lover and Chairman, Supporters Club Gateway Football Club, Alhaja Kudirat Oyindamola Odebiyi revealed that, efforts of the former governor was scuttled by some people. 

Alhaja Kudirat alias Mama Abiola Babes now Mama Gateway United disclosed this on Saturday to sports writers in Abeokuta when the new executive members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter paid a courtesy visit to the All Stars Football Club. 

She explained that, Senator Amosun invested heavily in sports development especially Gateway United Football Club, but some 'virus' within the system frustrated his contributions. 

The 66year-old woman who has been supporting Nigeria football since 1970 will next week celebrate her 50years of supporting Nigeria Football League. 

She said the former governor usually gave the team N1million to win matches, but some people diverted the fund for personal use, a development which took off the interest of Governor Amosun from further financial support to the team. 

"You cannot continue spending money on a team and you're not getting the result of such investment. Former governor Ibikunle Amosun tried for Gateway United Football Club by giving a million naira out for the team to win matches, but his effort was frustrated by some people."

Mama Gateway who singled out former governor Gbenga Daniel as the best sports loving governor the state has ever had, expressed displeasure over the lost glory of sports in the state. 

She called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to declare state of emergency in sports sector of the state and appoint core professionals to manage sports affairs in the state and Gateway United Football Club. 

"I'm moved to tears, with level of negligence of football in Ogun State, particularly Gateway United Football Club of Abeokuta who are still struggling in the second tier, Nigeria National League (NNL). The then Military administrator, General Oladipupo Diya (retired) was always with the team, sometimes in the camp with the players and watched them playing in the first division league matches against top teams in the country. Also General Manager of the team was retired Justice  Dehinde Shoremekun of the Federal Court of Appeal.

"The team was a beautiful bride, enjoyed massive support from former governor, Gbenga Daniel and promoted to top division in the Nigerian league. It is sad that Gateway United Football Club are still struggling for promotion in the last ten years in the lower division. 

"For instance 3SC of Ibadan are doing well in the league because of the moral and financial support from Governor Seyi Makinde who even watched a crucial league home match in Ibadan between Shooting Stars and Ekiti United, won by Shooting Stars.

"I'm appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun to please come to the rescue of Gateway United Football Club, he should please rescue the situation, we have quality players who have what it takes to play in the top league in Nigeria.

"If Governor Dapo Abiodun really interested in Gateway United promotion, he should appoint those who have passion for football to run the football club. During Bukola Olopade era as Sports Commissioner in the Daniel's administration, the team gained promotion. We need people with passion to develop the game of football. 

"I personally made my name supporting football. For instance, Remo Stars Football Club are young side but gained promotion twice within five years. We need quality players irrespective of where you are from in Nigeria. 

"Governor Abiodun should personally show interest and give the players, the needed support by watching Gateway United home matches. Former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun tried for the club by giving a million naira out for the team to win matches, but his effort was fustrated by some people.

"Governor Dapo Abiodun should appoint the right people to run sporting associations, particularly football to justify state government Investment in football.

"Governor Dapo Abiodun should take a cue from Governor Seyi Makinde's support for Shooting Stars in Oyo State. Former Governor Gbenga Daniel did the same thing watching Gateway United playing matches at home in Abeokuta and Otunba Gbenga Daniel should advice governor Abiodun to revive football. 

"Governor Dapo Abiodun should come and rescue the team, it will be glory of the state and his administration, if Gateway United gained promotion to play in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL."