Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Sunday, hosted Super Falcons duo of Rasheedat Ajibade and Rofiat Imuran, who are indigenes of the State.
The well attended reception took place at the Governor’s country home Ede and had in attendance top Government functionaries, which included the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, State House of Assembly members, led by Speaker, Rt. Hon Wale Egbedun, State Executive Council Members and Royal Fathers.
Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays for Atletico Madrid Femenino is from Eesorun, Oke-ba Compound, Ikirun, Osun State, while Stade De Reims Defender Rofiat Imuran, is from Ile-Ogbo.
The visit was aimed at encouraging and motivating young people in the state, to pursue their dreams relentlessly and achieve greatness on national and international stages, while also standing as a symbolic gesture and inspiration for the youths of the state.
It would be recalled that the Sports Loving Governor some few days ago, received in his office an Osogbo born Adenike Olawuyi, a member of the victorious D’Tigress that won the recently concluded 2023 Afrobasketball Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke reiterated the State’s commitment to support and develop Sports, stating that Sports will continue receiving a major and positive attention during his administration.
“Osun is proud of you people and as a Sports lover, it’s always a joy to see young athletes excel,” The Governor said.
“I am so excited today, and we have continually promised that when it comes to Sports, we will turn it around for good.
“Since we assumed office, we have provided a balanced ground for sporting activities to thrive in the state, and very soon, we shall uplift the Sporting facilities in the state.
“We are all proud of you girls and we will work towards strengthening your capacity to make us more proud.” He concluded.
Also speaking, an elated Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade hailed the State Governor for the grand reception and also promised to keep on working hard to make Osun State and the country proud as a whole.
Ajibade offered advice to budding football talents in the state to strike a harmonious equilibrium between their careers and other activities.
“I am so honoured to have been received by the Governor of my State, his excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke. Even more honoured, when I came in, seeing prominent sons and daughters of the State inside the hall to celebrate me and my teammate, Rofiat Imuran.
“This will spur me to do more and make Osun State proud and I advise all the young inspiring footballers to keep doing what they know how to do best. On behalf of my teammates, I would love to appreciate them for the efforts they all put in at the World Cup, because it was a collective effort, without them, we won’t be here today.
Also Stade De Reims Defender Rofiat Imuran was ecstatic and couldn’t hide her joy. “I am so excited and can’t explain the feeling. It’s so nice to be at home again and being honoured by the number one citizen of Osun State, means alot to me and this will forever be in my heart and encourage me to even do better for the country and my dear State.
The Super Falcons, ranked 40th in FIFA Women’s Football ranking, lost out 4-2 via penalties to the Lionesses of England in the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.