Grassroots talents  spotted at Tinubu Sports Festival in Ondo

The maiden edition of the President Bola Tinubu Sports Festival in Ondo State ended on a colourful note at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Sports Complex on Monday , drawing a large turnout of youths and sports enthusiasts.

The grassroots sports fiesta, organised by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), featured athletes from the various zones of the state competing in football, athletics, table tennis and other sporting events.

Speaking at the grand finale, the Director-General of GMT in Ondo State, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye said the festival was designed to discover, nurture and develop young talents while promoting unity, discipline, and positive youth engagement through sports.

Yusuf-Ogunleye described sports as a powerful tool for nation-building, noting that the initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emphasis on youth empowerment and productive engagement.

He appreciated the sponsor of the festival, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his steadfast support and encouragement to the group.

According to him, the festival also served as a platform to mobilise grassroots support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda while providing young people with opportunities to showcase their talents in a competitive but friendly environment.

The GMT Director-General further commended FUTA and other tertiary institutions across the zones for providing facilities that ensured the smooth hosting of the festival despite logistical challenges.

“Our vision is clear: to mobilise grassroots support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while enlightening citizens about policies that aim to strengthen the economy, create jobs, secure lives and restore national confidence.

“Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower, peacefully and patriotically, ensuring that governance is understood not as distant politics but as a shared responsibility,” he said.

The festival ended with the presentation of trophies, medals, and prizes to outstanding athletes and teams.

In the football competition, Okitipupa Zone emerged overall champions after defeating strong opposition from other zones, while Akoko Zone finished second and Akure Zone placed third.

Athletics events produced impressive performances, with Temitope Bello of Akoko Zone winning the men’s 100 metres race, ahead of Olumide Daniel of Ondo Zone, and Saliu Toheeb, also of Akoko Zone.

In the 400 metres race, Sunny Mumini of Akoko Zone clinched first place, followed by Wisdom James of Akure Zone in second position and Owolabi Victor of Ondo Zone in third.

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The combined 100 and 400 metres event was won by Nelson Joseph of Akoko Zone, while Wisdom James of Akure Zone and Adeyeye Richard of Ondo Zone finished second and third respectively.

Other events also recorded notable performances, with Ayo Olopon Omosowon Idowu emerging winner in his category, while Akindele Metinukuro and Olowolafe Abiodun finished second and third respectively.

In table tennis, Ilesanmi Olatunji of Akure Zone took first place, while Timothy and Fusho Abiodun placed second and third respectively.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of GMT in Ogun State, Hon. Tola Banjo said the group’s collective purpose was to showcase the achievements of President Tinubu, stressing that political campaigns had not yet commenced.

He commended the initiative behind the sports festival, noting that it would promote grassroots development and engagement.

Former Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, said the programme highlighted President Tinubu’s achievements, urging the region to rally round the President and allow him to complete his tenure.

Present at the event were members of the GMT state working committee, GMT leaders from across the South-West, local government coordinators, party members and former commissioners in the state.