…Pledges Grand finale Attendance
By Ado Salisu
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has endorsed the YAYI Unity Cup and All APC Contestants 2027 (YUCAAC), pledging to attend the grand finale of the statewide football tournament.
Senator Adeola gave the assurance at his ultramodern campaign headquarters in Omida, Ibara, Abeokuta, when a delegation from the YAYI Sports Group (YSG), led by the Chairman of the YUCAAC Organising Committee, and patron of YSG, Otunba Olusola Orelaja paid him a courtesy visit to formally present the initiative and seek his endorsement.
The delegation included Chief (Mrs.) Falilat Ogunkoya, MON President of YSG, and Coach Alaba Amusa, YSG coordinator and head coach of table tennis at the Ogun State Sports Council.
The tournament, which is designed to feature teams representing Ogun State’s 20 local government areas, will be held in honour of Senator Adeola and all APC Candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The initiative aims to promote grassroots sports development, discover emerging talent, create opportunities for young people across the state and to create Unity amongst party faithfuls in the build up to the governorship election.
Commending the YAYI Sports Group for the initiative, Senator Adeola described the tournament as consistent with his strategic vision for sports development in Ogun State.
He said sports could serve as a powerful instrument for youth empowerment, talent discovery, career development and social advancement.
The senator also expressed appreciation for the decision to organise the competition in his honour, acknowledging his interventions in the sports sector and pledging to restore its prominence across the state.
“Let me start by thanking the general manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, for leading the team to my office. I also appreciate the YAYI Sports Group for taking the initiative to organise a tournament involving the 20 local government areas in my honour and that of all APC Candidates for 2027,” he said.
Adeola lamented what he described as the relegation of sports to the background and promised a comprehensive revival of sporting activities if elected governor.
“Sports, which has been relegated to the background, will be brought back. We will revive all aspects of sporting activities, including golf, football, lawn tennis, table tennis and other sports. We will also activate our local structures and sporting associations,” he declared.
He further emphasised the importance of providing platforms for young people to identify and develop their talents, noting that not every gifted individual would pursue a conventional professional path.
“This Yayi Unity Cup is already showing me that we are moving in the right direction because I understand the benefits it will bring to our teeming youths in terms of development, career opportunities and helping them become what they aspire to be.
“There are many hidden and gifted talents out there. Some people are blessed, but they lack the opportunity or platform to showcase what they can do. We are ready to bring them on board, give them opportunities and help secure their future,” the senator said.
He assured the Committe Chairman, Otunba Olusola Orelaja that the YAYI Sports Group would be considered for a role in future sports development initiatives, drawing on its experience and grassroots reach.
“For what you have done, I thank and appreciate you. When we set up the relevant committees, we will bring you in to share your wealth of experience in sports development. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that sports receives the attention it deserves,” he added.
The endorsement is expected to boost the YUCAAC initiative as its organisers work to mobilise communities, young athletes and football stakeholders across Ogun State for the proposed competition.
The initiative reflects the YAYI Sports Group’s commitment to using sports as a vehicle for youth engagement, grassroots participation talent discovery and Unity in the state while bringing together stakeholders across the state’s 20 local government areas.
Dignitaries present at the endorsement meeting included Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, the incoming deputy governor; Alhaji Yemisi Sanusi, APC chairman in Ogun State; and Senator Lekan Mustapha, director-general of the Yayi Campaign Council,
Hon. Babatunde Olaotan (HBO) Chairman, Contacts and Mobilisation Committee Yayi Campaign Council and Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Government House and General Services among other party leaders and stakeholders.
The YUCAAC 2027 tournament will commence on the 16th – 22nd of November. It is expected to place grassroots football at the centre of conversations about youth development and the future of sports in Ogun State.
