By Segun Giwa
The Okitipupa Local Government Coordinator of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Mr Christopher Akinniyi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for renewed attention to youth development through sports.
Akinniyi made the remark on Saturday in Okitipupa, at the ongoing GMT-organised President Bola Tinubu Sports Festival in Ondo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival started on Nov. 6 and would end on Dec. 6 with the grand finale slated for Akure.
He stressed that the initiative, sponsored by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had become a major platform for discovering hidden talents across local communities.
The coordinator said prioritising grassroots sports as a tool for unity and national development was the way forward in the present Nigeria.
“The minister has made it a point of duty to ensure that sports serve as a unifying factor. Many talents that have long remained undiscovered at the grassroots are now being identified and supported,” he said.
Akinniyi also lauded the State Coordinator of GMT, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye; and the Secretary, Rasheed Badmus, describing their leadership as exemplary and a model for other states.
“In the history of GMT in Nigeria, Ondo State has taken the lead in organising this kind of sports festival. Other states will surely learn from what we have achieved here,” he said.
NAN reports that in the results released so far; in Athletics, Samuel Arogbo carried the day, while Olulawo Igbekele emerged second in 1500m event.
Meanwhile, Sunday Omolayo and Yakubu Yusuf came first and second respectively in the 100m event, while Vincent Tega and Muyiwa Jackson emerged first and second respectively to qualify for 200m event.
In Ayo Olopon game, Babatunde Agbede, Toye Olowogboye and Edawolu Esau all emerged first, second and third respectively.
In the game of Basketball, Coaster Hoopers of Okitipupa defeated Ilaje Rovers, which means Coaster Hoopers will represent the zone at the grand finale in Akure.
In Volleyball, Coaster Spikers of Okitipupa defeated Ese Odo Spikers to emerge victorious with the former to represent the zone in volleyball at the grand finale in Akure.
Table Tennis, Boxing, Tennis and Football are still ongoing and would be determined to know teams and individuals to represent the zone at the grand finale in Akure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
