Awosika builds three games courts in Ondo stadium

…hands over facilities to govt

A US-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chief Afolami Awosika, has officially handed over three modern games courts built within the Ondo Township Stadium to the Ondo state government.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Ondo on Tuesday, Chief Awosika explained that the basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis courts were conceived as a deliberate intervention to engage young people positively and to support the Osemawe of Ondo’s drive to promote grassroots sports development.

According to him, “the facilities are designed to harness youthful energy productively, nurture talents and align with the Osemawe’s vision of using sports as a tool to curb cultism, youth restiveness and other social vices, while also creating opportunities to discover athletes with global potential”

Chief Awosika, who is currently holds the chieftaincy title of Lomafe of Ondo Kingdom, reaffirmed his belief that meaningful youth development begins with the deliberate provision of safe and functional spaces where young people can channel their energy positively.

He explained that sports not only promote physical fitness but also instill values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which are essential for building responsible future leaders.

He further stated that the establishment of the courts and the accompanying tournament was his modest way of giving back to the Ondo community that nurtured him.

In his remarks, the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Omoyofunmi Henry, expressed the state government’s appreciation to Chief Awosika for the laudable gesture.

He described the donation as a clear demonstration of effective public-private partnership in sports development.

The governor assured that the state government would ensure the proper management, maintenance and optimal use of the facilities to serve the intended purpose of youth engagement and talent development.

He added that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to empowering young people, expanding sports infrastructure and creating pathways for youths to excel constructively.

A former governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was present at the event, applauded Chief Afolami Awosika for his enduring commitment to community development and youth empowerment.

He described the donation of the sports courts as a timely and impactful contribution that reflects a deep understanding of the role sports play in shaping healthy, disciplined and productive youths.

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Mimiko noted that investments of this nature strengthen social development efforts and complement government initiatives aimed at nurturing talents from the grassroots.

He encouraged other well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to emulate the gesture, stressing that collaborative efforts remain vital to building sustainable platforms that will empower young people and secure a brighter future for Ondo state.

The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, who graced the occasion, commended Chief Awosika for his foresight and commitment to youth empowerment through sports. 

The monarch described the donation as a strategic investment in the future of Ondo youths, noting that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for character building, discipline and social cohesion.

Oba Kiladejo further emphasized that the facilities would complement traditional and governmental efforts aimed at redirecting the energies of young people towards productive ventures. 

He reiterated his belief that sustained engagement through sports would help reduce crime, foster unity and position Ondo as a breeding ground for outstanding athletes at national and international levels.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Chief Afolami Victor Awosika (CAVA) tournaments, which featured competitive games across different sports, with winners emerging in each category.

In the lawn tennis event, the Senior Staff Tennis Club, Akure, defeated the Ondo Tennis Club to claim the gold medal in the doubles category, while Olakunle Gbologe of UNIMED triumphed over Olanrewaju Akinnagbe of Ondo Tennis Club to emerge winner in the singles category.

In basketball, the UNIMED team outplayed the Don Bosco Youths with a scoreline of 73–55 to win the gold medal, while the Ondo City Spikers Club defeated Akure Dynamite Spikers Club in two straight sets to clinch the gold medal in the volleyball category.