The Osun State Government has announced plans to appoint global music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as chairman of the State Sports Trust Fund.
The development, confirmed by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi during a meeting with members of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) earlier this week, is a strategic move by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to revitalise sports in the state.
Davido, son of business magnate Adedeji Adeleke and nephew to the governor, is expected to play a key role in attracting private sector funding and global partnerships for Osun’s sports development initiatives.
A New Era for Osun Sports
According to Adewusi, the Sports Trust Fund is part of a broader government plan that includes the establishment of the Osun State Sports Commission and ongoing renovations of the Osogbo Township Stadium to meet Olympic standards.
“Davido has been contacted and informed that he would be appointed as Chairman of the Sports Trust Fund, and he did not hesitate in accepting the appointment,” Adewusi revealed. “His intervention would attract funds that would impact Osun sports positively.”
The deputy governor explained that the fund aims to draw contributions from sports philanthropists and corporate donors both within and outside Nigeria.
He also noted that the government wants to ensure sustainable sports financing beyond political cycles.
The Osun State House of Assembly had earlier passed the bill establishing the State Sports Commission, which is now awaiting the governor’s assent.
Davido’s involvement is already generating buzz, with many residents seeing it as a fusion of fame, philanthropy, and family loyalty that could give Osun sports a new face.
But some are questioning whether celebrity appeal alone can drive structural reform in a struggling sports sector.
