Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the maiden edition of the O’DATIWA Under-17 Football Competition, declaring his administration’s readiness to make sports a major driver of youth empowerment and talent development across the state.
The colourful opening ceremony, held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Akure Sports Stadium, drew athletes, coaches, and football enthusiasts from all 18 local government areas, setting the stage for what many described as the biggest grassroots football event in recent years.
Speaking at the flag-off, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the competition, themed “Catching Them Young for a Greater Future in Sports,” is not just about discovering young talents but about building a stronger, united and economically vibrant Ondo State through youth inclusion and opportunity.
“This event is not just about football; it’s about hope, opportunity and the future of our great state. We are deliberately investing in the dreams of our young people, nurturing their talents and giving them a stage to shine — not only before the people of Ondo State but before the nation and the world,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He added that the O’DATIWA U-17 Tourney would serve as a platform for identifying and grooming the next generation of football stars who will represent the state and Nigeria at both national and international levels.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for its dedication to organizing the competition, describing it as a model for sustainable sports development at the grassroots.
He also applauded the coaches, referees, sponsors and sports enthusiasts who have continued to support youth-oriented programmes in the state.
The Governor assured that his administration would continue to expand investment in education, innovation, entrepreneurship and sports, ensuring that Ondo youths become active contributors to the state’s growth and global recognition.
“When young people are engaged productively, idleness and social vices are reduced. Sports build teamwork, discipline and unity — values that make great citizens and a greater society,” he added.
Declaring the tournament open, Aiyedatiwa urged parents, community leaders and corporate organizations to rally behind youth initiatives, noting that grooming disciplined and visionary citizens must be a shared responsibility.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi, lauded the governor’s vision and consistent backing for sports revival, describing the O’DATIWA Under-17 Football Competition as a bold step towards discovering underprivileged but talented youths with the potential to shine globally.
“This competition is not just about football; it’s about vision and opportunity. Under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, we have witnessed a renewed commitment to using sports as a catalyst for youth development,” Omoyofunmi said.
He charged participating teams to play with discipline and sportsmanship, emphasizing that beyond winning medals, the true essence of the competition lies in building character, teamwork, and resilience.
The tournament will feature teams from all 18 local government areas of the state, with matches scheduled to hold across designated centres before culminating in a grand finale later in the year.
