Catch them young.
As the third edition of the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup approaches, Hon. Akintunde Oyebode, the driving force behind this grassroots football competition, has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to discovering exceptional talents and supporting the development of the younger generation in Ekiti State.
Speaking at a recent virtual media parley, Oyebode spotlighted the multifaceted goals of the competition, which extend beyond the football pitch to promoting education, gender neutrality, and proper talent development.
A Vision for Youth Development
Undoubtedly, Akintunde Oyebode is passionate about leveraging football as a tool for youth development. His vision for the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup is clear – it’s not just about winning games but about nurturing young talents and providing them with opportunities to grow both on and off the field.
“In total, it is important that the games must be played in the right spirit, the players must be truly under the age. When we say under 15, it’s not just to win; it’s really more a talent development program than a winner-takes-all situation,”
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
As the 2024 edition of the cup promises to be the biggest and best yet, Hon. Oyebode has introduced new initiatives aimed at taking the competition to new heights.
These efforts are part of his broader commitment to ensuring the sustainability and growth of the tournament.
He assured that after this year, the competition would return even bigger and better in the following years, reinforcing his dedication to long-term youth development.
Government Support and Community Involvement
The Ekiti State Government, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed its full support for the competition. Governor Oyebanji praised Hon. Oyebode’s investment in grassroots football, expressing how it aligns with the state’s youth development and job creation agenda.
Meanwhile, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr.Olusola Osetoba noted that the competition provides a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills and potentially launch their careers.
He explained: “The competition will not only provide a platform for young talents to excel in football and make positive contributions to society but also offer a valuable opportunity for Ekiti United FC and Ekiti Queens FC to identify and recruit promising young players into their teams.”
Building on a Legacy
The competition also builds on the legacy of the former FA Chairman, Mr. Bayo Olanlege whose contributions to the development of football in Ekiti State have been widely recognized.
Dr. Osetoba praised Olanlege’s efforts, stating, “During Bayo Olanlege’s time, competitions like this were the reason our stadiums were always busy. We are grateful for his legacy and commitment to sports development.”
Promoting Values through Sports
At its core, the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup is primed to ensure that talented young players from all parts of Ekiti State are discovered and developed, with a particular focus on promoting education and gender neutrality.
By creating an inclusive environment where both boys and girls can participate and excel, the competition helps to break down gender barriers and promote equality.
The initiative also emphasizes the importance of education alongside sports. By encouraging young athletes to pursue their studies, the competition fosters a holistic approach to development that prepares them for a successful future, whether on the football field or in other career paths.
