PanNigerianNews 
The Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum (OCYF), on Tuesday, unveiled plans for the first edition of the Orumogege Football Cup in honour of the 21st Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
According to the OCYF, the tournament, involving 32 teams across the entire five local government areas of Ogbomoso zone of Oyo State, will take place at the Ogbomoso Township Stadium, along Under G road, Ogbomoso.
The organisers called for interested football teams from all the local government areas and the LCDAs in Ogbomosoland, sponsors and partners, both within as well as those in the Diaspora for a smooth football tournament.
Speaking during a press briefing, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Amos Ado, said the inspiration for the Orumogege Football Competition stems from the unwavering dedication of Oba Ghandi Olaoy in various development areas whose initiative, he said, is the OYCF’s humble contribution to complementing Soun’s promotion of sports development in Ogbomoso.
Mr Ado said the competition is open to all age groups, adding that participants will have the chance of winning cash prizes and gifts, with additional awards for various categories.
Speaking along side the President and the Public Relations Officer of the OCYF, Revd Peter Olaleye and Mr. Adebayo Adeniran respectively, Ado hinted that the competition will commence with opening ceremony, explaining that the kickoff is scheduled for September 8, 2024 and concluding on December 26, 2024.
Adio said, “The inspiration for the Orumogege Football Competition stems from the unwavering dedication of our revered Kabiyesi, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, in various development areas. This initiative is thus our humble contribution to complementing His Majesty’s efforts in promoting sports development.
“Youth development through football competitions is both exciting and essential. It provides young players with the opportunity to hone their skills and develop their talents. In recent years, youth development has gained prominence, with clubs dedicating resources to nurture young potentials. This not only creates a talent pool for the future but also engages children early in sport, encouraging long-term participation.
“The organizers of the Orumogege Football Competition are inviting 32 teams from all Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Ogbomosoland and will be on a knockout basis. The opening ceremony and kickoff are scheduled for September 8, 2024, concluding on December 26, 2024. The competition is open to all age groups, and participants will have the chance to win cash prizes and gifts, with additional awards for various categories.
“We invite sponsors and partners from among all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, both within well as those in the diaspora. This is our land, and together we can make it greater. The schedule for the tournament has been designed to accommodate students, as we recognize that schools will be resuming in the first and second weeks of September. Additionally, we have implemented stringent security measures to ensure a safe environment throughout the competition.
“Ladies and gentlemen, developing young football talent is crucial for numerous reasons. Firstly, it lays a strong foundation for the future by cultivating a pool of skilled players capable of excelling at the highest levels of the game. Secondly, youth development introduces children to football at a young age, fostering a passion for the sport and encouraging lifelong engagement.”
Adio added that medical and security factors have been adequately taken care of as teams that will be participating have been assured of a rancour free tournament.
Also addressing the press, Revd Olaleye added that the organisers are putting machinery in place for the would-be sponsors.
He said the efforts of the OCYF is to key into the 25-Year Development Plan of Oba Olaoye.
Also responding to questions from newsmen, the Chairman of Ogbomoso Football Association, Mr. Omotosho Afọlabi Ogunmola, also underscored the role of the tournament in boosting the economic landscape of Ogbomoso and its environs before, during and after the competition.
