*Plans school sports leagues to discover young talents

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, has called for greater emphasis on merit, integrity and accountability in sports administration in Nigeria.

Ajakaye identified what he described as a “crisis of civic virtue” as one of the major challenges affecting sports and other sectors of the country.

He made this known on Monday while speaking on Kwara SWAN Sports Hard Talk, where he briefed sports journalists on his plans for sports development in the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He explained that the problem arises when individuals know the right thing to do but deliberately act otherwise because of selfish interests.

According to him, such practices could lead to talented athletes being overlooked simply because they lack personal connections.

“There are talents in every part of this country,” he said.

Ajakaye urged sports administrators to ensure that athletes are selected strictly on merit and that competent individuals are appointed to positions of responsibilities.

He maintained that Nigeria could make greater progress in sports if those entrusted with its administration avoid favouritism and other practices capable of undermining talent discovery and development.

To illustrate his point, he cited his experience as a member of a committee involved in teacher recruitment in Kwara State, explaining that members deliberately resolved to place the interests of the state, its people and their conscience above personal considerations.

He said the committee’s approach helped ensure that competent candidates were recruited, demonstrating how integrity in decision-making could benefit both individuals and society.

Ajakaye described the principle as “enlightened self-interest”, arguing that individuals could protect their integrity while contributing to the overall good of the public.

He stressed that the same principle should guide sports administration, particularly in talent identification, athlete selection and the appointment of sports officials.

“I believe in the sports industry, if you improve the right way, you do not cut corners. If you get the right persons in place, ensure that people do the right thing in what they’re doing, that is enlightened self-interest.”

He added that the principle should extend beyond sports to politics and public administration, noting that prioritising integrity and the public interest was essential to achieving sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye, has proposed integrating secondary schools into competitive sports leagues to identify and nurture young talents across the constituency.

Dr Ajakaye made the pledge while featuring on Kwara SWAN Sports Hard Talk on Monday at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre, George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

He said the initiative would provide young people with opportunities to develop their sporting abilities while pursuing their education.

Dr Ajakaye stressed the need to create an enabling environment for young people to discover their potential in football, basketball, tennis, swimming and other sporting activities.

According to him, “We need to create an environment where young people can discover and develop their talents, build professional careers and remain committed to their education.”

The APC candidate also pledged to collaborate with the Kwara State Government and the State Sports Commission to address infrastructure gaps and strengthen grassroots sports development.

He identified the planned renovation of Offa Stadium as an important step towards improving sporting activities in the area.

Dr. Ajakaye said collaboration between federal and state authorities would help identify development needs and attract the necessary support to address them.

“When you have a government that listens and aligns with the ruling party at the state level, we can easily identify the gaps and bring federal backing to complement state efforts,” he said.

He added that, if elected into the National Assembly, he would advocate policies and partnerships aimed at securing sustainable funding for youth empowerment and sports development.

The APC candidate urged stakeholders and residents to remain engaged and support initiatives that would create opportunities for young people across Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas.