Fourth Olota Cup Kicks Off In Ota, Promotes Youth Talent Development
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The fourth edition of the Olota of Ota Soccer Competition commenced on Thursday at the Bells University of Technology Stadium in Ota, with traditional rulers, academics, security officials and community leaders reaffirming the role of sports in youth empowerment and grassroots development.
The annual tournament, organised by Travellers Network Magazine in honour of the Olota of Ancient and Paramount Ottaland, Awori Kingdom, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege (Lanlege Ekun II), is designed to promote youth empowerment, talent discovery, sports development and community integration.
Declaring the competition open, the Olota commended the tournament’s organising committee, led by the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Travellers Network Magazine, Mr. Olaniyi Akinbode, for sustaining the initiative and ensuring its continued growth.
The monarch said the Olota Cup, alongside the Olota Marathon Competition, had become an important platform for identifying, nurturing and promoting sporting talents within the kingdom and beyond.
He noted that the competitions had continued to encourage youth participation in sports while contributing to grassroots sports development.
The colourful opening ceremony attracted a large gathering of dignitaries and sports enthusiasts, including the Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Professor Abel Olajide Olorunisola; the Aare Atunluse of Aworiland, Aare Surveyor Segun Osifeso, and Yeye Olufunke Osifeso; the Ota Area Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander O. Adesina; Professor Anthonia Adeniyi, representing Covenant University, Ota; and ASP Oparinde Segun of the Nigeria Police Force.
Organisers said the monarch’s unwavering support for sports initiatives had inspired young people across the kingdom and contributed significantly to the growth of grassroots sports.
They added that beyond the football matches, the tournament seeks to promote discipline, positive values, community unity and social inclusion while creating opportunities for talented young footballers to showcase their abilities.
The organisers expressed confidence that the fourth edition of the Olota Cup would further strengthen the use of sports as a tool for youth development, talent discovery and community cohesion.
