By; ODEYEMI SAMUEL, Akure.
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has charged Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure to win the 2016 / 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League title.
Speaking at the colourful reception organised in honour of the team following its victory at the inaugural South-West Pre-season tournament in Lagos, Gov. Mimiko who commended the organisers for deeming it fit to stage the event, stressed the need for Sunshine Stars to target the trophy.
“On behalf of the government and all soccer loving people of the state, I say congratulations to Sunshine Stars for winning this trophy and for being wonderful ambassadors”
“As the next season approaches, I am charging the team to take this mentality to the league and come out victorious at the end, we have placed 2nd and 3rd in the past, the time has come to win the gold”.
The Governor who highlighted the achievements of his administration to include the rebranding and repositioning of Sunshine Stars to make it international brand as the team got to the semi finals of both CAF Confederations Cup and CAF Champions league, charged the management of the state football agency to do more in the area of grassroots football development.
Governor Mimiko who said his commitment and desire to use football as a means of engaging the youths in the state has gone a long way in creating future for the youths and sustain the level of peace being enjoyed in the state.
Governor Mimiko who is the number one supporter of Sunshine Stars commended the club president, Prince Dapo Ajibade for being an all round professional.
“I never for once doubted the ability and capability of Dapo, because he has always had the passion to use football to impact in the lives of the youths, we can only wish him the very best as he continues his journey to stardom”.
Governor Mimiko also said Sunshine Queens Federation Cup triumph sums up his administration’s passion for all round football development programmes at all levels.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Dayo Awude thanked Governor Mimiko for providing the enabling environment for talents across the state to showcase themselves to the world as well as making a good means of livelihood in the process.
Chairman, Ondo State Football Agency, Prince Dapo Ajibade said the success represents the hardwork and commitment of the new team which he describes as a true reflection of Governor Mimiko’s desire to encourage human capacity development.
Other highlights of the event were the presentations of Sunshine Stars Logo as Wall Clock to the Governor in addition to the team’s number 10 jersey as a mark of appreciation.
Sunshine Stars who won the pre season tournament in Lagos following victories over 3SC of Ibadan, Remo Stars of Ikene and MFM of Lagos will take on Enyimba of Aba in their 1st match of the fast approaching soccer season.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles defence strong man and former captain of Sunshine Stars, Godfrey Oboabona has congratulated the team for the pre season success.
Speaking from his base in Turkey, the Rizespor of Turkey defender charged the team to remain committed so as to transform the pre season success to league success.
