The Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has reinforced his administration's unwavering commitment to youth development and grassroots sports by sponsoring and successfully hosting the Starlettes Ogun State School Sports Festival (Egba Division) at the Wahab Folawiyo Stadium, Crescent University, Abeokuta.
The championship, an initiative of 5ivemediacom, coordinated by Mr. Alex Okonkwo with Mr. Olatoye Olawale serving as Communications Director, brought together some of the most talented secondary school athletes from across Ogun State to compete in a festival aimed at discovering and nurturing future sporting champions.
The Starlettes Schools Sports Festival is being staged across the state's four divisions—Egba, Yewa, Ijebu and Remo—with winners from each division advancing to the grand finale scheduled to hold later this year at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta.
The Egba Division attracted participating schools from six local government areas: Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Odeda, Obafemi/Owode, Ewekoro and Ifo.
Although the administration of primary education falls within the statutory responsibility of local governments, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo extended his support to the secondary schools championship in recognition of the vital role sports play in promoting discipline, healthy living, talent discovery and overall youth development.
To ensure a successful and memorable competition, the Chairman provided a conducive sporting environment, including the competition venue, canopies, chairs, public address system, refreshments, drinks, snacks and other essential logistics.
Athletes competed in a wide range of events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m races for both male and female categories, 4×100m and 4×200m relays, long jump, as well as male and female football competitions.
At the end of the keenly contested events, Kuola Odunayo from Odeda Local Government emerged as the Overall Best Male Athlete, while Ale Elegbede Aliyah claimed the Overall Best Female Athlete award.
In the football events, Lafenwa High School, Abeokuta North, emerged champions in the male category, while Nawarudeen Grammar School, Obantoko, Odeda Local Government, won the female title.
The colourful sporting fiesta was graced by His Royal Majesty , Oba (Dr. )Oluseyi Ayodeji Adewole Adediran (Otileta I),Towulade of Akinale Kingdom, who presented certificates to some of the outstanding athletes.
The monarch described sports as a powerful instrument for youth empowerment, noting that active participation keeps young people away from social vices such as cultism and drug abuse while creating pathways to careers and employment opportunities.
He also reaffirmed his support for the initiative, recalling his role in facilitating the visit of former Super Eagles coach Bonfrère Joe to his community.
Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo equally presented certificates to outstanding athletes and commended all participants for demonstrating discipline, resilience, determination and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The festival attracted sports masters, teachers, education stakeholders and sports enthusiasts from across the six participating local government areas.
Corporate organisations that supported the championship included FirstBank, Airtel Nigeria, Indomie Noodles, NTA, alongside several other organisations committed to youth and sports development.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo reiterated his administration's resolve to continue investing in programmes that promote youth engagement, talent discovery and community development.
He expressed confidence that many of the athletes discovered during the championship possess the potential to represent Ogun State and Nigeria with distinction at national and international competitions.
The successful hosting of the Egba Division of the Starlettes Ogun State School Sports Festival further underscores Abeokuta North Local Government's growing reputation as a leading supporter of grassroots sports development and youth empowerment in Ogun State.
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