Former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale, has commended the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) for its unwavering commitment to youth development through sports.
Ale gave the commendation at the zonal stage of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sports Festival, held to discover young talents and foster unity among youths through sporting activities.
It would be recalled that the competition kicked off in Ondo on November 6 and moved to Owo, with the next stage scheduled for Ikare on Friday.
The Programme was organized by GMT and sponsored by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
The grand finale is expected to hold in Akure on December 6.
The former Chief of Staff praised the organisers for engaging young people across the state and promoting healthy competition, noting that such initiatives help in reducing social vices and building character.
He also lauded the Director-General and Secretary of GMT for sustaining the programme and ensuring that the group continues to project the ideals of the party.
“This is a laudable effort. I urge those who did not win or qualify for the finals not to lose hope but to return, practice harder, and come back stronger next time,” Ale said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of GMT, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the competition was designed to encourage young people, discover new talents, and keep them positively engaged.
“We are doing this to encourage our youths, discover talents, and keep them busy. By the time the winner of this zone comes to Akure for the final event, a lot of exciting things will happen,” Yusuf-Ogunleye stated.
In the boxing category, Esan Michael defeated Mahmud Ibrahim in the 71kg bout, while Adewale Adetoye overcame Victor Ojo in the 57kg class after the latter sustained a shoulder injury.
In table tennis, Ozigi Abdullahi clinched first position, Ayodele Olamide came second, and Omoleye Jocelyn placed third.
In the football event, Reigns F.C. defeated Real Iron F.A. 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw during regulation time to qualify from the zone.
In athletics, Olutokun Samson came first in the 1500m and 800m events, while Momoh Yusuf and Balogun Ayomide finished second respectively. In the 100m race, Raheem Bakiu emerged first and Oladepo Muheed came second.
All winners will represent their zones at the grand finale in Akure next month.