Mr. Oluwaseun Albert, popularly known as SOT, has described sports as a vital instrument for promoting unity, youth engagement, and grassroots development.
Albert stated this at the grand finale of the 2025 Five-Aside Street Football Competition, which he organised during the festive season in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He said the competition was conceived to foster unity, discipline, and positive engagement among youths from different streets within the community.
According to him, football transcends recreation, serving as a platform for teaching teamwork, fairness, and mutual respect—values he described as essential for building a progressive society.
Albert expressed satisfaction with the level of passion, discipline, and sportsmanship displayed by participants throughout the tournament, noting that the youths demonstrated remarkable potential when provided with the right opportunities.
At the end of the competition, Olokuta Street emerged winners, clinching the top prize, while Sower Street finished second. Tajudeen Street secured the third position.
He added that the organisers also distributed Christmas gifts to selected men and women in the community as part of efforts to give back, particularly during the festive season.
Albert noted that the initiative aligns with the “Our Ease” agenda of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, which prioritises compassion, inclusion, and shared prosperity.
“My belief has always been clear: leadership is not about titles; it is about service. It is about showing up, listening, and acting, even when there is nothing to gain except the satisfaction of seeing your people thrive.
“Communities do not grow by promises alone; they grow through consistent engagement, thoughtful support, and sincere commitment,” he said.
Albert commended the organisers, volunteers, security personnel, referees, and players for their roles in the successful hosting of the tournament and urged residents to sustain unity and peaceful coexistence.
