Mr Oluwaseun Albert, popularly known as SOT has described sports as a vital tool for promoting unity, youth engagement and community development.
Albert said this at the grand finale of the 2025 Five-Aside Street Football Competition organised by him during the festive season in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He said the competition was conceived to foster unity, discipline and positive engagement among youths across different streets in the community.
According to him, football goes beyond recreation, as it teaches teamwork, fairness and respect, which are essential values for a progressive society.
Albert expressed satisfaction with the passion and sportsmanship displayed by participants throughout the tournament, noting that the youths had shown great potential when given the right platform.
At the end of the competition, Olokuta Street emerged winners to claim the first position, while Sower Street finished second. Tajudeen Street secured the third position.
Albert said the organisers also used the occasion to distribute Christmas gifts to selected men and women in the community as part of efforts to give back, especially during the festive season.
He noted that the initiative aligned with the “Our Ease” agenda of Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, which emphasises compassion, inclusion and shared prosperity.
“My belief has always been clear: leadership is not about titles; it is about service. It is about showing up, listening, and acting, even when there is nothing to gain but the satisfaction of seeing your people thrive.
“Communities do not grow by promises alone; they grow through consistent engagement, thoughtful support, and sincere commitment,”he said.
Albert commended the organisers, volunteers, security personnel, referees and players for ensuring the success of the competition and urged residents to sustain unity and peaceful coexistence.