The race for the chairmanship of the Delta State Sports Commission has intensified, drawing significant public interest due to the controversial maneuvers of powerful figures who are determined to maintain their longstanding control over youth and sports development in the state.
As anticipation grows for the appointment of a new Chairman to lead the sports commission for the next four years, Friends of Nigeria Sports (FNS), a coalition of concerned sports stakeholders, has joined forces with other prominent individuals to urge Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to resist the influence of entrenched interests.
Chief Diprieye Thompson, National Coordinator of FNS, voiced his concerns about the state of sports administration in Delta State during an interview with sports journalists in Abuja. He criticized the dominance of figures such as Chief Solomon Ogba, who, according to Thompson, have been steering sports development in Delta State since 1999.
Thompson highlighted the presence of skilled sports professionals in the state, including Davidson Owumi, Austin Popo, Elder Kujuebola, NFF/CAF instructor Edema Fuludu, Clement Temile, Sam Okpodu, and Tony Rafua. Despite this wealth of talent, he lamented that these experienced individuals are overshadowed by political figures who prefer to appoint their own allies rather than fostering genuine sports development.
Thompson also pointed out the absence of quality stadiums meeting CAF standards in Delta State, attributing this shortfall to the greed and self-interest of previous political leaders. He criticized these figures for prioritizing superficial successes, such as attracting mercenaries to win sports festivals, over long-term investment in sports infrastructure and development.
The FNS Coordinator emphasized the need for Governor Oborevwori to prioritize appointing a qualified professional who can bring meaningful progress to sports in Delta State, thus breaking the cycle of mismanagement and advancing the state’s sporting prospects.
Written by: Blossom Kugbere.