In a move that has drawn national attention, Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been appointed Chairman of the Osun State Sports Trust Fund by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The appointment was announced during a courtesy visit by members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State chapter, to the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, in Osogbo. The initiative is part of the state government’s broader effort to revitalize sports development and youth engagement across Osun.
According to Deputy Governor Adewusi, Davido accepted the appointment without hesitation, expressing his readiness to leverage his global influence, network, and brand partnerships to attract private-sector investment, philanthropic support, and increased visibility for the state’s sports programs.
The state government revealed that the new Sports Trust Fund will focus on projects such as revamping the Osogbo Township Stadium to Olympic standards, improving grassroots sports facilities, and establishing a State Sports Commission to provide coordination and oversight for long-term policy implementation.
Supporters of the initiative believe that appointing a public figure of Davido’s stature could galvanize youth participation, enhance sponsorship opportunities, and boost public confidence in sports administration. They argue that his involvement could bridge the gap between entertainment, sports, and community development, creating new opportunities for young athletes.
However, critics have cautioned that celebrity-led appointments must be backed by clear governance structures, measurable goals, and accountability mechanisms to ensure genuine impact. Some observers warn that such roles, if not properly defined, risk becoming largely symbolic.
As preparations begin for the formal inauguration of the Sports Trust Fund, expectations are high among Osun’s sporting community. The coming months will test whether this bold experiment can deliver tangible results—and possibly serve as a model for innovative, celebrity-driven public sector initiatives across Nigeria.