***As BTO-Sponsored Competition Moves to Ikare Zone
Former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale, has commended the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) for its unwavering commitment to youth development through sports.
Ale gave the commendation at the zonal stage of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sports Festival, organised to discover young talents and foster unity among youths across Ondo State.
The competition, which kicked off in Ondo on November 6 before moving to Owo, is scheduled to continue in Ikare on Friday. It is being organised by GMT and sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while the grand finale is slated for December 6 in Akure.
Ale praised the organisers for engaging young people in productive activities and promoting healthy competition, noting that such initiatives help reduce social vices and build character among youths.
He also lauded the Director-General and Secretary of GMT for sustaining the programme and promoting the ideals of the ruling party.
“This is a laudable effort. I urge those who did not win or qualify for the finals not to lose hope but to return, practice harder, and come back stronger next time,” Ale said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of GMT, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the competition was designed to encourage young people, discover new talents, and keep them positively engaged.
“We are doing this to encourage our youths, discover talents, and keep them busy. By the time the winners from this zone come to Akure for the final event, a lot of exciting things will happen,” he added.
Highlights of the zonal competition included:
- Boxing: Esan Michael defeated Mahmud Ibrahim in the 71kg bout, while Adewale Adetoye triumphed over Victor Ojo (57kg) after the latter sustained a shoulder injury.
- Table Tennis: Ozigi Abdullahi emerged champion, with Ayodele Olamide and Omoleye Jocelyn finishing second and third respectively.
- Football: Reigns F.C. edged Real Iron F.A. 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time to qualify for the finals.
- Athletics: Olutokun Samson clinched first place in both the 1500m and 800m races, while Momoh Yusuf and Balogun Ayomide finished second. In the 100m dash, Raheem Bakiu took first place, and Oladepo Muheed came second.
All zonal winners are expected to represent their regions at the grand finale in Akure next month.
