By Charles Pemu OSOGBO — In a major development for sports financing in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially appointed his globally recognized nephew, Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as the Chairman of the newly established State Sports Trust Fund.
The appointment was confirmed by the Osun State Government yesterday, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, during a meeting with the state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The state’s Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Sports, Kola Adewusi, explained that the strategic move is designed to leverage Davido’s extensive global profile and vast network. The goal is to attract substantial private-sector funding, philanthropy, and investment necessary for the transformation and modernization of the state’s sports sector.
Adewusi confirmed that the award-winning musician accepted the role “without hesitation,” expressing confidence that the singer’s intervention would attract funds that will positively impact Osun sports development.
This initiative is part of a broader government effort to revamp the sporting landscape. This includes the ongoing renovation of the Osogbo Township Stadium, which the government assures will be completed in the shortest possible time and upgraded to meet Olympic standards. Furthermore, plans are said to be in advanced stages for the establishment of the Osun State Sports Commission, which will act as the central body for sports administration and policy implementation.
While the administration champions the appointment as an innovative step toward sustainable sports financing, the decision to appoint a family member to the pivotal public role has drawn various reactions among political observers and residents.