By Femi Atolagbe
The Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) has expressed its readiness to revive the iconic football academy across all the 18 local government areas as part of efforts to deepen grassroots football development in the state.
Kehinde Odogun, the State Coordinator of the Rising Stars Football Academy, made the disclosure on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Ondo East Local Government Area, Joshua Ogunduyilemi at his office.
Odogun said the renewed initiative, driven by the vision of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa through ODSFA leadership with the local governments will become a game-changer in raw talent discovery and youth empowerment.
According to him, the expansion, dream and vision of the academy across all the 18 local government areas of the state are continuous programmes.
Odogun said; “Each local government will have its own dedicated academy manager, ensuring localised training and management that brings the game closer to communities.
“Reviving football from the grassroots; we are standing on the brink of a new era for football in our state—one that begins in our local communities.
“The time has come for the resurgence of football academies across all 18 local government areas. These are not just sports facilities, they are talent incubators, economic engines, and community builders.
“His Excellency, Mr. Governor, has made youth empowerment a core part of his development agenda. Through sports, especially football, we have the opportunity to engage our youth constructively, reduce crime, promote discipline, and unlock careers that would otherwise remain dormant.
“A well-structured football academy in each local government area will give thousands of boys and girls a path away from street life and into structured training programmes. It instills discipline, commitment, and teamwork.
“Football unites people, local teams can become a source of pride and positive identity, fostering unity within and between communities. Nigeria is blessed with immense football talent. Our academies can produce the next Victor Osimhen or Asisat Oshoala, players who will represent us on global stages. With strategic planning, these academies will attract sponsorship, host local tournaments, and boost small-scale businesses around them—vendors, transporters, hotels, and more.
“The power to change the narrative lies in our hands. Let us not wait until another young star is discovered from another region before we take action. Let our LGAs be known as the places where dreams are born and nurtured.
“Let us align fully with Mr. Governor’s visionary agenda, not just in words, but in deeds. The resurgence of football academies is more than a sporting ambition, it is a legacy we can leave for generations. Together, let’s kick off a new season of hope.”
In his response, the Chairman, Ondo East Local Government Area, Joshua Ogunduyilemi said; “Your dream is a very fantastic one, and I really appreciate Mr. Governor, for what he is doing in the area of sports, particularly football, you know, it is interesting. Me personally, I love it.
“And since I have been here, we are working on what we can do to develop our people from time to time, because we have a good plan for them already and this one is coming with another beautiful vision.
“We will do our best to support the tradition, as far as the local government is concerned, let’s kick start, whatever we need to do, keep in touch with us. We have a very good field here, all we need to do is to improve on the field, we will engage our school authorities, we are ready to make the place comfortable for them to keep. So I am proud of you 100 percent.”