O’DATIWA U-17 Soccer Tournament Ends on a High Note as Gov. Aiyedatiwa Champions Grassroots Sports in Ondo

 O’DATIWA U-17 Soccer Tournament Ends on a High Note as Gov. Aiyedatiwa Champions Grassroots Sports in Ondo

Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria — 




The O’DATIWA Under-17 Football Competition concluded with fanfare on Monday at Akure Sports Stadium, highlighting Ondo State’s growing commitment to grassroots sports development. Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa used the event to reaffirm his administration’s focus on empowering youths through sports, describing it as a key tool for social re-engineering, economic empowerment, and mental and physical growth.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of engaging youths meaningfully and providing career pathways in sports 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 focuses on youth and sports development,” he stated.

He added that initiatives like the O’DATIWA U-17 tournament are designed to discover young football talents from all eighteen local government areas, foster friendship, and create avenues for international exposure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also promised to extend the administration’s support beyond sports, focusing on education, skill acquisition, innovation, and entrepreneurship for young people.

Ministry of Youth and Sports Commended

The Governor congratulated the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, led by Commissioner Segun Henry Omoyofunmi, for revitalising grassroots sports in Ondo State. Omoyofunmi praised the Governor for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, noting that his administration’s policies had restored hope and positioned sports as a pathway for talent discovery and economic opportunity.

“We are fully committed to improving the quality, organisation, and reach of the O’DATIWA 2026 edition,” Omoyofunmi said, promising expanded opportunities for young talents.

Tournament Winners and Celebrations

The Ore Bombers from Odigbo Local Government Area emerged champions after defeating Akure North LGA in a thrilling penalty shootout. Winners, runners-up, and standout players were honoured with new jerseys, medals, awards, and cash prizes.

The closing ceremony was attended by top state officials including 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 other key functionaries.

The tournament’s successful conclusion reinforces Ondo State’s ambition to make grassroots sports a cornerstone for youth empowerment, unity, and talent development.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State

📷 Motunrayo Oyedele

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