Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revolutionising sports development in the state, describing sports as a globally recognised vehicle for social re-engineering, economic empowerment and mental and physical growth.
The Governor made the declaration at the final and closing ceremony of the statewide O’datiwa Under-17 football competition held at the Akure Sports Stadium, on Monday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that engaging youths meaningfully and creating career pathways in sports is crucial for national development.
“As you are all aware, the youth constitute a significant proportion of our population. It is therefore intentional that the policy thrust of this administration’s ‘OUR EASE’ Agenda, among other things, focuses on youth and sports development.
“It is our unwavering belief that the O’DATIWA U-17 Football Competition will escalate and promote sporting activities in the state. Young football talents across the eighteen local government areas have been engaged through this initiative”, he said.
The Governor congratulated the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, under the leadership of the Commissioner, Mr. Segun Henry Omoyofunmi, for rekindling grassroots sports development in the state.
“You have demonstrated that success is no accident. It is the product of hard work, perseverance, learning, sacrifice, and above all, love for what you do. I assure you that the state remains committed to supporting both young talents and established athletes through this laudable programme,” he added.
Highlighting the wider impact of the competition, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that it had fostered friendship among the youths and promised to expose many discovered talents to international football platforms.
“Most world soccer stars earned recognition from grassroots competitions like this. That is exactly what the O’DATIWA U-17 Football Competition seeks to achieve, while promoting unity and the game of soccer at the grassroots level,” he said.
The Governor further noted that his administration would continue to create avenues for youths to channel their energy productively.
“Beyond sports, we will pursue policies and programmes that promote education, skill acquisition, innovation and entrepreneurship among young people,” he added.
Earlier, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Omoyofunmi, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and sports development in the state.
“Your vision has restored hope for our young people and repositioned sport as a valuable tool for discovering future talent and creating economic opportunities. Your confidence in youths is evident in their appointment to key positions within your administration.
“We are fully committed to improving the quality, organisation, and reach of the O’DATIWA 2026 edition. We will expand opportunities for young talents and advance the broader sports development agenda,” Omoyofunmi stated.
The competition was won by the Ore Bombers from Odigbo Local Government Area after defeating the team from Akure North Local Government Area in a penalty shootout.
The winners, first and second runners-up, as well as outstanding players of the competition received new jerseys, medals, awards, and cash prizes.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, members of the State Executive Council, Ondo State House of Assembly members, local government chairmen and top government functionaries.
