Former Ondo Sports Council GM, Henry Babatunde, Honoured for Contributions to Sports Development
Former General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Dr. Henry Babatunde, has expressed appreciation after being honoured by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria -SWAN, Ondo state Chapter, for his contributions to sports development in the state, two years after leaving office.
Babatunde, who described the recognition as unexpected and significant, said he was particularly delighted that his contributions were still being remembered after his retirement from the sports council.
Speaking after receiving the honour, he said, “I feel so happy, I feel so elated, I feel excited. I am grateful because I wasn’t actually expecting anything from anyone.”
According to him, the recognition was particularly meaningful because it came two years after he left office.
“I thought it had ended because, in life, people don’t really recognise you, most especially when you are no longer in service,” he said.
Babatunde recalled that during his tenure as General Manager, he received more than 20 awards at both local and international levels. However, he described the latest recognition as unique because it came after he had left the sports industry.
“When I was General Manager, I received more than 20 awards, internationally and locally. Today, this one is very unique because after I have left the sports industry as a General Manager, they still recognise my modest contribution to sports development in the state,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Babatunde attributed his approach to leadership to what he described as an “open-door policy,” saying his experience as a former athlete helped him understand the challenges faced by athletes and coaches.
He said, “The spirit of God led me so much that I had to carry everyone along. One of my policies was the open-door policy, and as an athlete who has been in the system for a very long time, I understand the terrain, the mood and psychology of every athlete and even the coaches.”
He added that the approach enabled him to better understand the needs and challenges of those working within the sports sector.
“I gave everybody open hands to relate with me, and I was very, very transparent to at least the level that I knew I could manage the place,” he said.
Babatunde described his tenure as successful, noting that the sports council remained operational throughout his time in office.
“Throughout my tenure in office, there was nothing like closing the sports council or locking up the place,” he said.
He also recalled a celebration organised in his honour after his tenure, saying it was funded by supporters without his personal financial contribution.
According to him, the event attracted several senior government officials, including serving and former heads of service and commissioners.
Babatunde said the continued recognition of his work was a source of satisfaction, adding that he was grateful that his contribution to sports development had not been forgotten.
Babatunde, who holds a doctorate degree, retired as General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council. He currently serves as Principal Secretary to the Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission.
