The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State Chapter, on Thursday officially unveiled the Tinubu Sports Festival 2025 — a youth-oriented initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development across the state.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the Adeyemi College of Education Sports Arena in Ondo West Local Government Area, had in attendance political leaders, sports enthusiasts, and representatives of various youth groups.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of GMT in Ondo State, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the initiative was conceived to celebrate the achievements and reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in youth development and empowerment.
According to him, the festival will be staged across five zones of the state, serving as both a platform for talent discovery and an avenue to enlighten residents about the president’s ongoing reforms.
Yusuf-Ogunleye explained that the festival was humanitarian in nature, urging government agencies, private organizations, and individuals to collaborate in building a better society. He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for sponsoring the initiative and supporting the dreams of young sports talents.
“Sports has gone beyond entertainment. It is now a global business and a viable means of livelihood. Beyond mobilising for Asiwaju, this project will engage our youths, take them off the streets, and help them build meaningful careers through sports,” he said.
He added that the Tinubu Sports Festival 2025 would feature a variety of sporting events, including football, basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis, wrestling, athletics, boxing, and traditional games such as Ayo Olopon. The 30-day festival will climax with a grand finale in Akure on December 6, showcasing the president’s passion for sports and youth empowerment.
Also speaking, the GMT Director General in Ogun State, Mr. Tola Banjo, described the festival as a historic step in promoting unity and youth engagement through sports. He lauded the Interior Minister for his reforms and philanthropic efforts, saying Dr. Tunji-Ojo had “become a shining example of leadership and service to humanity.”
Similarly, the Director General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, Muyiwa Asagunla, revealed that over seven support groups in the state were being sponsored by the Minister to mobilise for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Former Secretary to the State Government, Oladunni Odu, also praised the minister’s contributions, describing him as “a rare gem and a household name in Ondo State,” whose initiatives have continued to reflect the ideals of the Renewed Hope vision.
The festival kicked off with a football match between Zion Warriors FC and Young Kings FC, with the latter claiming victory by a lone goal.
Other sports scheduled for the competition include athletics, wrestling, basketball, handball, table tennis, boxing, and traditional games, among others.
