The Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, hosted a special recognition ceremony in honour of public primary school pupils who emerged overall champions at the 7th Edition of the Alare Festival.
Odogbolu LG secured the highest number of medals across multiple sporting events, solidifying its status as a trailblazer in grassroots sports development.
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In his remarks, Hon. Diya described the young athletes as the pride of Odogbolu, commending their achievements as proof that greatness can emerge from the local classrooms and playgrounds.
“These children have made Odogbolu proud. Their victory is a beacon of what’s possible when we invest in our youth,” he said. He expressed his eagerness to reconnect with all 40 participating athletes after their holidays and assured them of ongoing government support.
“We will nurture these children as Sports Ambassadors of Odogbolu. The earlier we start, the better we prepare them for greatness,” he emphasized.
The Chairman also spotlighted the role of arts and culture in youth development. He introduced Mr. Olukayode Owolabi, author of “Okanlawon: The Bully Who Learned,” and revealed his recent courtesy visit to the Director-General of the National Theatre in Lagos as part of a broader push to promote creative talent in Odogbolu.
“Odogbolu is ready to make its mark in the creative industry. With proper support, our children can grow into global actors and actresses,” he added.
Hon. Diya also revealed plans to launch the official website of Odogbolu Local Government, where achievements of the pupils and other projects will be highlighted, ensuring transparency and streamlined monitoring.
Highlighting innovation, the Chairman encouraged exploration into modern frontiers such as esports, acknowledging the global rise in youth engagement and earning potential in the sector.
“We are aware of the challenges, especially around funding and equipment, but we will do all we can to support our youth in digital sports too,” he assured.
In closing, he called for unity and dedication from all stakeholders, urging, “Let’s work together to build a generation of stars. May God continue to guide and bless us all.”
Medal Summary
Gold (10) – Events including scrabble, chess, skipping rope, tug of war, table tennis, relay races, and long jump
Silver (5) – Including ludo, skipping, table tennis, and track events
Bronze (5) – Including scrabble, 100m and 200m races
Football Squad
A 15-man football team, including standout names like Hammed Kamaldeen, Aloh Jeremiah, and Bakare Korede, was also celebrated for their participation.
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