The Oyo State Government has stepped up its drive to restore Crown Football Club, Ogbomoso, to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with the appointment of Coach Akande Fatai Adejumon-Smith as the club’s Technical Director, a move aimed at steering the team back to Nigeria’s top-flight football competition.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, following the official signing of the contract agreement by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, with the newly appointed Technical Director at her office.
Speaking during the ceremony, Hon. Adegoke described the appointment as part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s plan to strengthen Crown FC and position the club for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
She urged Coach Adejumon-Smith to approach the assignment with diligence, professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment, expressing confidence in his experience and technical ability to deliver the expected results.
The Commissioner restated the administration’s commitment to sports development, saying the government would continue to invest in talents, infrastructure and quality personnel to keep Oyo State among the leading states in Nigerian sports.
Responding, Coach Adejumon-Smith thanked Governor Seyi Makinde and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports for the confidence reposed in him through the appointment.
He described Hon. Adegoke as a goal-driven leader whose passion for sports development is inspiring, assuring the government and the people of Oyo State that he would deploy his wealth of experience and expertise to rebuild Crown FC and guide the club to greater heights.
The new Technical Director also appealed for the support of all stakeholders, expressing confidence that collective commitment from the government, the club’s management, supporters and players would help the team achieve its goals.
The appointment reflects the Oyo State Government’s continued efforts to strengthen sports development while creating greater opportunities for youth participation, economic growth and improved performance in competitive football.