Ojelabi calls for unity in Badagry Division

• From left: Vice Chairman of Oriade LCDA, Abolaji Ariyo, Oba Gausu Alani Rasak Ovori of Ibeshe Kingdom. Dr. Nojeemdeen Abidemi Aberejo of Akesan kingdom, Oba Suliamon Adeshina Raji, Oniba Ekun of Iba kingdom and Ojelabi at the event

The Chairman All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi, has urged the people of Badagry Division to unite and work for development.

He assured the people that the grassroots competition—Ojelabi Football Competition, will be a regular programme.

The tournament, which is aimed at identifying and rewarding outstanding talents and engender peace within the Badagry Division of Lagos State, is sponsored by Ojelabi.

The first edition of the competition tagged: ‘Ojelabi Football Competition Badagry Division’ featured 74 teams from 10 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas within Badagry division. 

The tourney came to an end last Saturday, as Sporting Hotspurs of Ajeromi-Ifelodun emerged champions after a 2-0 victory over LASU Blazers of Ojo in the final match held at the Lagos State University playing field on Saturday.

After goalless first half, Sporting Hotspurs scored a two brilliant second half goals to emerge winner and went home with the trophy and a cash award of one million naira. LASU Blazers were rewarded with N750, 000 for winning silver medal.

In the losers’ final, Abiodun Kings of Ato-Awori defeated New Era of Badagry by 1-0 to claim bronze medal and a sum of N500, 000. 

Speaking at the Closing Ceremony/Grand finale, Ojelabi said the competition is an opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of football in the Division.

“The major objectives of initiating and organising this competition were to promote inter-ethnic unity and harmony, identify and reward outstanding talents, and engender peace within the Badagry Division of Lagos State which has produced several national stars like Sunday Olise, Emmanuel Amunike, etc.,” Ojelabi said.

He added: “It is particularly gratifying to note that since the opening ceremony on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at LASUED, no incidence of violence or disruption was recorded. This is particularly encouraging when you remember that altogether many teams from the LGAs and LCDAs within the Division took part in the competition.

I am also very happy that 86 matches have been played up to the semi-final stage without any formal protest received.

 “I am equally grateful to the members of the LOC, who have not disappointed us but have proven their experience in Sports Administration. I also commend all the teams, players, coaches, the media, security,  medical personnel, and supporters/fans of all the various teams for adding color to the competition without any violence.”

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The highlights of closing ceremony/grand finale include awards for the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goals Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Best Behave Team among others.

It is understood that many scouts and coaches of big clubs watched many of the matches to pick outstanding players.

Thrilled with the success of the first edition and his resolve to make a meaningful impact in the youths in Lagos State, Honourable Ojelabi has announced that the competition which is being organised within Badagry division will be expanded to cover all councils and LCDAs within Lagos West Senatorial District starting from the next edition.

He made a promise of N20 million to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the organisation of the next edition of the competition.

The chairman also revealed that a mini-stadium will be erected at Isasi for the benefit of the people of Badagry division.

In his remarks, the chairman of the LOC, Mr Deji Williams commended Hon Ojelabi for sponsoring the tournament.

He presented a proposal for a SPORTS ACADEMY to be named OJELABI SPORTS ACADEMY(OSA). The academy, according to him, is to ensure that all discovered talents are brought together under this platform and to involve five other sports aside football namely Athletics, Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis and Tennis.

“Let me emphasise that what I submit today is a paperwork expecting the perusal and consideration for approval for a final BLUEPRINT to be submitted,” Mr Williams stated.

Dignitaries at the final match on Saturday include Royal fathers, Hon. Commissioner for Tertiary Education Lagos State, Tolani Sule, Members of Lagos State House of Assembly, Executive Chairmen of Local Government and LCDAs in Badagry, respected political leaders, the representatives of Vice Chancellors of LASU and LASUED, erudite Academics, Community/Religious Leaders, members of the MOC, LOC, Sport Administration and member of the press.