Former governor of Oyo State and Accord Party (AP) governorship candidate in the April 11 elections, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has promised to pay adequate attention to the financial and welfare needs of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan if elected into office.
He gave the promise in Ibadan through a statement by the director-general of his campaign organisation, Deolu Adeleke, while reacting to the woeful start in the on-going premier league by the darling team of Oyo, due to lack of financial support by the incumbent administration in the state.
“Reports reaching me indicate that the government has not paid the salaries of 3SC players and workers for December 2014, (as well as) January and February 2015. Neither has the (Abiola) Ajimobi-led government allocated money for players’ recruitment for the new season. And we all expect the team to do well.
“How can the players play on an empty stomach? Neglecting this crucial arm that gives joy to thousands of people is wicked,” the statement said.
Ladoja recalled that when he was governor between 2003 and 2007, his administration allocated generous funds to the team so much that for a long time, the team led the premiership log and was going to win the title in 2005, if not for the political crisis that engulfed the state.
“The glory days of Shooting Stars are around the corner. My administration will revamp and revive the team. It is the pride of not only Ibadan and Oyo State, but of the Yoruba nation,” he added.
The governorship hopeful said he was sad to learn that 3SC not only lost its first away match to Wikki Tourists of Bauchi 0-2, but was also defeated at home by Heartland of Owerri 2-1.
“Such results are unacceptable to the soccer-loving people of Oyo State. We will reverse it.”