Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has restated his commitment to the development of football at the grassroots.
Aiyedatiwa stated this at the inaugural meeting of the state and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of ODatiwa Youth Empowerment Football Competition on Thursday in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa was represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami.
He said the initiative was aimed at discovering young talents through football competitions at the grassroots, and to engage youths meaningfully.
The governor said that the competition is a potent tool to help discover raw talents in communities across the state.
“This initiative, no doubt, has the backing of the state government, as it is in line with our development agenda to gainfully engage our youths through sports and entertainment,” he said .
The governor said the football competition will further propel talented youths to limelight and take the state to global recognition.
He urged the youths to take full advantage of the football competition for their benefits.
Aiyedatiwa promised to remain committed to youth development across all spheres.
“Gone are the days when parents used to discourage their children from participating in sports because it was not lucrative and as such, not considered a decent career.
“Fast forward to the new millennium, all forms of sports are now prestigious.
“There are sufficient evidences around us that grassroot sports development is an impetus for economic growth, it has the capability to bring an unknown youth in the remotest part of the world to global stardom.
“Our own Victor Boniface rose from being a grassroots footballer here in Akure to national limelight, playing for the Super Eagles and now a top striker for Bayern Leverkusen.
“It is on record that the German giants signed him for a whooping sum of 20 million euros.
“I have never seen any job in Nigeria and even elsewhere that gives so much money in a five-year period,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Akin Akinbobola, the Convener of the Competition, lauded Aiyedatiwa for being youthful and sports- friendly governor.
He called on well-meaning individuals to support the competition, saying it is on the link to producing the next football stars from the state.(
