Ekiti State Football Referees’ Council has lauded Professor Akin Oyebode for his role in the development of a newly completed stadium in Ikole-Ekiti, describing the facility as a game-changer for grassroots sports and youth empowerment in the state.
The Council’s Chairman, Mr. Onilearo Kayode, led a delegation on an inspection tour of the facility on Wednesday, where he praised the modern complex as a critical milestone that will enhance football development, promote youth engagement, and provide a professional venue for competitions and talent discovery.
The facility is expected to host local tournaments, training programmes, and league matches, offering a much-needed upgrade to the state’s sporting infrastructure and creating a hub for football activities in the region.
In a related announcement, the Referees’ Council pledged its institutional support for the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup 2025, a tournament aimed at fostering competitive football and unearthing young talent across the state. Kayode described the event as a vital complement to the new stadium and a positive step toward strengthening the football ecosystem in Ekiti.
The Council also reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to promote professionalism, fair play, and development-focused initiatives within the state’s football community.
Professor Oyebode, a notable philanthropist and academic, has been actively involved in several community development projects across Ekiti.
