By Femi Atolagbe
Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Henry Segun Omoyofunmi has disclosed that Ondo State Governor’s Cup tagged: O’ Datiwa U-17 football competition will unravel new generation of Stars.
Omoyofunmi said the championship is not just football competition ,but a movement of hope, unity and opportunity which represents the Governor’s visionary commitment to empowering the youth through sports in line with ‘OUR EASE’ agenda .
The Commissioner stated this at a press briefing held at the mini hall of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,in Akure, the state capital.
He added that future Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman could emerge from right here in Ondo State through the competition, saying the “O’DATIWA Governor’s Cup is more than a sporting event, it is a legacy project that will outlive this administration”.
He said: “Through this initiative, we are creating a structured pathway for discovering and grooming young football talents from our grassroots communities, while also fostering discipline, teamwork and the spirit of healthy competition among our young people.”
“The Governor’s Cup will feature 36 teams, representing all 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State with two teams per local government.
“Players must be U-17 (born on or after 1st January 2008).
Each team registers 20 players with three officials.
“Valid ID cards and age verification required (school/academy records).
“Teams to wear official jerseys (home & away kits preferred.
“Beyond football, this competition is a celebration of unity and cultural identity. We believe that sports have the power to bring people together; irrespective of background, tribe, or belief.
“As our youths play side by side, representing their local governments with pride, they remind us that we are one Ondo family united by purpose and passion. Each match will serve as a symbol of peace, discipline and mutual respect; values our administration continues to uphold”.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on sports,Hon Kehinde Akinrotoye (Bonsue) commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the laudable initiative to discover talents at the grassroots.
“I promise to work assiduously with the Ministry for the success of the competition.”
Akure South Local Government Chairman and Chairman of Ondo State Football Agency, ODSFA, Hon. Gbenga Fasua and Mr Divine Ogbonaya hailed the initiative of the ministry on their efforts to return the old glory of the state in Sports.
Hon. Fasua who doubles as the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, said the remaining 17 chairmen are ready to work and make the competition a success.
The Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Segun Giwa, assured the commissioner and dignitaries present of support and good coverage by members of the association.
Giwa also acknowledged the unity brought by the event in the sporting sector and urged stakeholders to work together for greater output.