Gov Mimiko welcomes Arsenal FC Partnership

 Writer: Abiodun Ajibade Caleb

Gov. Mimiko recieving Arsenal Jersey

A team of delegation from English Premier League side, Arsenal Football club recently paid a courtesy visit to the Ondo State Government, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

Receiving the five-man delegation, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Hon. Akin Akinbobola welcomed the team to Ondo state. ‘With huge pleasure I welcome you to the sunshine state, the state is a soccer-loving state with enormous followers of the English premier league, stated further that the state is ready to partner with arsenal football club.

Responding, the head of the delegation & arsenal liaison Officer, Mr Mark Ellis said the team is in Ondo state to liaise with the state government on a possible partnership towards the development of soccer in the state.” we would like to contribute to the development of football in the state through our International Soccer Schools Initiative, Arsenal FC signed such kind of a collaboration with Akwa ibom State recently and would want to add Ondo state to its list.

In his speech, the executive governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, thanked Arsenal FC for the visit, admitting the good values such kind of a partnership deal would add to the growth of football in the state. He highlighted the success achieved by his administration in sports especially football where sunshine stars qualified to represent Nigeria in last year CAF confederation cup, with the team reaching the semi final stage of the competition, first of its kind in the history of Ondo State.

DR. Mimiko stated further that his administration established the Ondo State Football Agency as part of his plans to enhance the development of football in the state and also affirmed that he would create an enabling environment by providing state of the art sporting facilities to the ones already on ground.

The Governor was however presented a customized Arsenal Football Club jersey by the delegation, as both parties exchanged gifts. Other members of the arsenal delegation include Andrew doughlas,manager(UK & Intl Soccer Schools), Joshua Morris(Head of Protocol,Danjan Sports), David Omigie (C.E.O Danjan sport).Waidi Akanni (Arsenal Tour Coordinator).Top Ondo state principal officials were also present, as well as major stakeholders in Ondo state sports were not left out at the ceremony

The delegation proceeded on an inspection tour of facilities in the state starting from the akure Township Stadium, selected Hotels & Hospitals plus a visit to the Sunshine Games village.  The arsenal officials expressed satisfaction with the facilities on ground but urge the state government to provide more. The delegation from England would also visit Niger and rivers state.