The deputy vice-chancellor (academics) of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Emil’Olorun Ayelari has revealed that institution branch of the Shooting Stars Supporters Club, 3SC-UISC was formed at the car park.
Ayelari, who doubles as the coordinator of the club in UI, revealed this while hosting the management, staff, coaches and players of the the Oluyole Warriors on Friday at the Faculty of Arts.
The venue was agog when the Don disclosed the ‘Three Musketeers’ who initiated the idea and ‘sold’ it to other colleagues ” who impressively joined”.
“We have the foreign clubs we support (in fact, I am an Arsenal fan till now), Profs Remi Raji-Oyelade and Akinola Alada have theirs and we make jest of ourselves anytime we meet at the car park.
“It was during one of those frequent discussions that we discovered our love for Shooting Stars and we created a WhatsApp forum before we knew it, our membership has increased.
“As it is now, we are close to 100 in the group with regular financial commitments”, Prof Ayelari narrated.
Prof Ayelari , also, disclosed that, the club members as professionals in various fields will be available to render selfless services to compliment the efforts of the government at returning the team to its glorious past. ” We know the state government alone can’t provide all the needs of the team, hence, our members shall be available to help in any way necessary “, he concluded!
In their own speeches, Professors Akinola Alada and Remi Raji-Oyelade said the supporters club has come in to give the needed backing at this period while the players are expected to reciprocate with good results.
“We are ready to support in any way possible and you, the players should ‘talk’ to your feet to respond with good results in your games”.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars, Mr Gbolagade Busari, who remembered his studentship days in the institution with nostalgic feelings said the gesture of the supporters is highly encouraging and the benefits will be fully maximized.
“This has never happened in the history of the club and we appreciate the members of the supporters here with a promise to make them proud. This will go a long way in lifting the morale of the players”, he concluded.
While responding on behalf of the coaches and players, the Technical Adviser Fatai Amoo expressed excitement and promised that his team will not betray the confidence reposed in the them!
“Honestly we are amazed by this gesture and coming from an academic environment like University of Ibadan made it more honourable, in fact we can’t wait to play on Sunday and make the members happy with sweet victory” he said.
Giving the closing remarks, the General Manager, Mr Rashidi Balogun said with years of experience as sports administrator, the gesture from the University is exceptional and timely in helping the players.
“This is a unique gesture and it will help the psyche of our players and the players of this institution who are witnessing this”, he noted.
Meanwhile, a donation of a giant deep freezer was made for the preservation of players drinks and beverages after the cutting of the cake to commemorate the official inauguration of #3SCUISC in the University!
Quite impressive number of their members within the community witnessed the occasion among whom are Prof Wole Oyetade, Dr Rafiu Salami, Dr (Mrs) Labeodan, Dr Lanre Oladejo, Dr Akeula, Dr Garuba, Engr. Adeniji, Mr Tunji Oladejo, Mr Yomi Aremu, Mr Alex Oladeji and Mr Biodun Alege and others.
