Oyebanji labels Oyebode football tourney talent pipeline

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Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has described the annual Professor Akin Oyebode Football Tournament as a structured grassroots talent pipeline that complements government efforts in sports development.

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Oyebanji made this known during the final of this year’s edition of the tournament, which concluded at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium at the weekend.

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The final saw Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government emerge champions after a 5–4 penalty shootout victory over Oye Local Government, following a 3–3 draw in regulation time.

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Ado Local Government won the female final against Oye Local Government, while Irepodun/Ifelodun claimed third place in that category. In the male third-place match, Ado Local Government defeated Gbonyin/Aiyekire 3–2.

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Winners and runners-up in both categories received cash prizes, underlining the tournament’s commitment to rewarding excellence and motivating young talent.

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Now in its fourth edition, the competition brought together teams from across different local governments in both male and female categories.

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One of the standout performers, Jimoh Kudirat, said the tournament provided valuable exposure and reinforced her ambition of pursuing a professional football career abroad.

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Representing the governor, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Stephen Aribasoye, commended the tournament’s sponsor and Commissioner for Finance, Akin Oyebode, for his dedication to youth and sports development.

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“The tournament has grown steadily in scale and impact since its inception, illustrating how structured, community-led platforms can effectively complement government efforts in identifying, developing and sustaining grassroots talent pipelines,” he said.

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Oyebode expressed gratitude to the governor and reaffirmed the purpose behind the initiative.

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“Governor Oyebanji and I share a conviction that the most important infrastructure we can build in Ekiti is not roads or buildings, but the confidence and capability of our youth.”

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‘‘His support for initiatives like this one reflects that. To Jimoh Kudirat and every young talent on that pitch—your dreams are valid, and the world is bigger than this stadium. Keep working.”

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He added that sports development remains a key pillar of the state’s six-point agenda.

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“Sports development is one of the anchors of the Ekiti Government’s six-point agenda, and the venue where the final was played is a reflection of this commitment. In the last 12 months, the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium has undergone significant rehabilitation and enhancement, and this is why people like me are encouraged to continue our personal and family-funded interventions in sports.”

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