The Local Government Coordinator of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) in Okitipupa, Hon. Christopher Akinniyi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for renewed attention to youth development through sports.
Akinniyi made the remark during the ongoing GMT-organised sports festival in Ondo State, at the weekend.
He stressed that the initiative had become a major platform for discovering hidden talents across local communities.
The coordinator praised the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for prioritising grassroots sports as a tool for unity and national development.
“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, Hon. Saka Ogunleye and 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.
In Athletics,Samuel Arogbo carried the day, while, Olulawo Igbekele emerged second in 1500m event. Also Akinwale Ayomide and Prince Emmanuel qualified for 400m respectively.
Meanwhile, Sunday Omolayo and Yakubu Yusuf came first and second respectively in the 100m event, while Tega Vincent and Jackson Muyiwa emerged first and second respectively to qualify for 200m event,.
In Ayo Olopon, Babatunde Agbede, Toye Olowogboye and Edawolu Esau all emerged first, second and third respectively.
In the game of Basketball that was concluded at the weekend, Coaster Hoopers Okitipupa defeated Ilaje Rovers. Coaster Hoopers will represent Basketball ball from okitipupa at the grand finale in Akure
In Volleyball, Coaster Spikers of Okitipupa defeated Ese Odo spikers to emerged victorious with the former to represent the zone in volleyball at 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.