Okitipupa: The Okitipupa Local Government Coordinator of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Mr. Christopher Akinniyi, has extended his commendation to President Bola Tinubu for his renewed focus on youth development through sports initiatives. This appreciation was expressed during the ongoing President Bola Tinubu Sports Festival in Ondo State, an event organized by GMT.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the festival, which commenced on November 6, is slated to conclude on December 6, with the grand finale scheduled to take place in Akure. The initiative, sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has become a key platform for discovering hidden talents across local communities in the region.
Akinniyi emphasized the importance of prioritizing grassroots sports as a unifying tool for national development in Nigeria. He noted that the Interior Minister has actively ensured that sports serve as a cohesive force, identifying and supporting many previously undiscovered talents at the grassroots level.
Additionally, Akinniyi praised the exemplary leadership of the State Coordinator of GMT, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, and the Secretary, Rasheed Badmus, citing their efforts as a model for other states to emulate. He highlighted that Ondo State has set a precedent in organizing such a sports festival, encouraging other states to follow suit.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that in the results released so far, Samuel Arogbo triumphed in Athletics, securing victory in the 1500m event, with Olulawo Igbekele finishing second. In the 100m event, Sunday Omolayo and Yakubu Yusuf claimed the first and second positions, respectively, while Vincent Tega and Muyiwa Jackson qualified for the 200m event by finishing first and second, respectively.
In the Ayo Olopon game, Babatunde Agbede, Toye Olowogboye, and Edawolu Esau emerged first, second, and third, respectively. In Basketball, Coaster Hoopers of Okitipupa defeated Ilaje Rovers, earning the opportunity to represent the zone at the grand finale in Akure. Similarly, in Volleyball, Coaster Spikers of Okitipupa triumphed over Ese Odo Spikers, securing their place to represent the zone at the grand finale.
Competitions in Table Tennis, Boxing, Tennis, and Football are still ongoing, with decisions yet to be made regarding the teams and individuals that will represent the zone at the grand finale in Akure.