Sports administrator and board member of the Osun State Handball Association, Oyetunbi Rachel Omotoyosi, has pledged to drive meaningful reforms in her state following her participation in the Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course organised by the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
READ ALSO: NPFL: Coach Majin Mohammed Hails Tactical Switch as Niger Tornadoes Cruise Past Wikki Tourists
Speaking with Sports247 after the programme in Abuja, Oyetunbi described the course as an eye-opener, noting that it has equipped her with the knowledge and motivation to implement positive changes in sports administration.
“I am delighted to be part of this programme. It has opened my eyes, and I am taking this knowledge back to my state to ensure it is implemented and shared with others,” she said.
Central to her takeaways from the course is the need to prioritise athletes, whom she described as the foundation of sports development.
“One of the most important lessons I learned is that athletes should come first. Many of us left sports early because of how athletes were treated. That narrative must change,” she stated.
Oyetunbi expressed optimism about applying the strategies and insights gained from the course, emphasising that continuous learning will be key to achieving lasting impact.
“You cannot give what you don’t have. We must continue to learn and relearn so that we can effectively implement these ideas and drive change in our federations,” she added.
She noted that her approach will be gradual but deliberate, focusing on practical implementation within her state.
“For Osun State, I will ensure that we start implementing these changes, even if it is one step at a time. From there, we can build and achieve more,” she said.
While commending the overall success of the programme, Oyetunbi pointed out the need for greater emphasis on grassroots sports development in future editions.
“I would have loved more focus on grassroots development because everything in sports starts from there. However, the knowledge gained here can still be applied at that level,” she noted.
Assessing the programme, she rated it highly, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate.
“I would rate it 99 percent. It was a great success, and I am grateful I didn’t miss it,” she concluded.
The Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course continues to serve as a catalyst for empowering women in sports governance, with participants like Oyetunbi poised to drive athlete-centred reforms across Nigeria.
