Osun taps afrobeats icon Davido to lead sports trust fund

Osogbo, Osun – In a fusion of global stardom and grassroots ambition, the Osun State Government has appointed Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, better known as Davido, as Chairman of the newly established Osun Sports Trust Fund.

The move, announced Wednesday by Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Sports Kola Adewusi, harnesses Davido's international clout—rooted in his Osun heritage and familial ties to Governor Ademola Adeleke—to galvanize funding and innovation for the state's beleaguered sports sector.

The appointment, detailed in an official statement, positions Davido at the helm of a strategic initiative designed to attract philanthropic and corporate investments from within Nigeria and abroad.

"Davido has been appointed to chair the Sports Trust Fund, and he did not hesitate in accepting the appointment," Adewusi revealed, emphasizing the singer's "global recognition and network" as pivotal to drawing "substantial funds" for sustainable sports financing.

Davido, whose uncle is the governor, wasted no time endorsing the role. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he declared, "Lets get to work @AAdeleke_01 Your Excellency ," signaling his enthusiasm for the partnership.

The 32-year-old has long championed youth causes through his foundation, including scholarships and community builds in Osun. His involvement is expected to spotlight upgrades like the ongoing rehabilitation of Osogbo Township Stadium, targeted for Olympic-standard completion to host national and international events.

The Trust Fund emerges amid Osun's push to reclaim its sporting glory, once a powerhouse in wrestling, athletics, and football during the 1970s and '80s.