Jare Olukotun
-Imota council chair makes championship bi-annual, introduces boxing, indoor games
Ori – Okuta Stars Football Club has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of the Benson Sunday Ayodele/Bisoye Oredoyin Jimoh (BSA/BOJ) Inter – Ward Football Competition in Imota beating Stars FC 4- 2 in a penalty shootout, after an intense and artistic display in the regulation time in the final match of he championship played on Sunday.
Impressed by the quality soccer skills on display throughout the tournament and responses of residents, the Executive Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele (BSA), whose first year in office is being commemorated with the soccer tournament, announced that the tournament will be staged bi – annually.
Ori- Okuta, FC, received the championship trophy and a cash prize of ₦200,000, while Ward C Stars FC, who finished as runners-up, received ₦150,000. The Impeccable FC of Ward D, that secured third place, were rewarded with ₦100,000.
Both teams played 2 -2 at the end of the regulation time at the Imota Mini – Stadium, venue of the grand final match that was well- attended and witnessed by dignitaries, stakeholders and residents.
Addressing the crowd during the halftime break, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele expressed appreciation to the participating teams, organisers, and supporters for making the tournament a resounding success. He announced that, in view of the overwhelming success of the competition, the BSA/BOJ U-21 Inter-Ward Football Competition would henceforth become a bi -annual tournament.
Chairman Benson Ayodele also disclosed that his administration would commence the organisation of boxing competitions while introducing inter-ward indoor games, including draught and other similar games, to be competed for across the four political wards of Imota LCDA. According to him, the initiative is aimed at discovering more talents, promoting healthy competition, and creating opportunities for young people to excel in various sporting disciplines.
The grand finale attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including the Vice Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Princess Abisoye Omowunmi Jimoh; the Leader of the Imota LCDA Legislative Arm, Hon. Oluwole Adeshina; the Deputy Leader, Hon. Sunday Olusegun Aberuagba; the Majority Leader, Hon. Busayo Jelili; the Chief Whip, Hon. Saidat Orewale; the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Mohammed Fagbesan; the wife of the Executive Chairman; Mrs Benson Yetunde Afolashade, Supervisors; Special Advisers; the APC Chairman in Imota LCDA, Hon. Kamilu Ogunnowo; political office holders; party leaders; and other distinguished guests.
The atmosphere throughout the competition was filled with excitement, cheers, and celebration as spectators were treated to quality football and entertaining side attractions.
The successful conclusion of the tournament further underscored the commitment of the Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele administration to youth empowerment, community unity, and grassroots sports development.
