Ekiti State football development has received a further boost following plans to commence Prof. Akin Oyebode U-15 Football Tournament for both boys and girls.
The football competition named after the first Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, formerly known as University of Ado Ekiti, Professor Akin Oyebode, is geared towards discovering talented U-15 football players (boys and girls) across Ekiti State, to be nurtured to a greater height.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Akintunde Oyebode, who is the son of the Jurisprudence Professor, met with members of the tournament’s planning committee on Tuesday, March 23.
“The Oyebode family desires a developmental competition, where talents will be identified, after which plans can be made to develop them into the pride of Ekiti. From there, they will be nurtured to represent Nigeria at the U-17 level, progress to the U-20, and to the zenith of their sporting aspirations,” Oyebode stated.
While addressing the organising committee led by Aziz Ogunlayi, Oyebode stated that the tournament would be a competitive event, but warned that it must not be used to damage the kids. “At that age, what is more, important is a platform for our children to shine. Hence, coaches and coordinators at LFCs level must refrain from using of foul languages and other compulsive measures with the young players who will participate in the competition.”
He also harped on the need for character-building among young players to inculcate the norms and values that distinguish Ekiti Kete globally.
“I am very delighted that we have a young committee who would be advised by Elder Muyiwa Aregbesola. This will also help us to develop young administrators to take ownership of the sports space in Ekiti. And with such competition, that put young people in charge, that’s how leaders are made,” he added.
The tournament, which will begin soon across all local governments in Ekiti State, will see the players battle for the prizes at stake.
