Ondo State Sports Council

*ASABA 2025 :*

So far, so good, the 9th edition of NYG, ASABA, Delta State has come to an end.
The competition brought all the 36 States in the country together including the FCT under one unifying goal that unites the nation, engaging the youth of today to be concerted and promoting the peaceful coexistence of the Nation at Large.

The brain behind the staging of Youth Games came to limelight in 2013 with a bid to catch the youth young and nurture them to stardom.

Ondo State was not left behind as it's known among other states to be a grassroot developer who has its products across the globe and the Coaches at the front desk in all international tournaments.

The State paraded twenty Sporting events at the just concluded NYG and won a total of 13 medals which comprises 4 gold and 9 bronze despite the Sports complex being under renovation.

The State recorded its gold in 4 by 1 Medley relay in
Athletics. Also, the Gymnastics grabbed the gold in team events while a gold each was recorded also in favour of Wrestling and Kick boxing respectively.

The State Judo team won 2 bronze while Gymnastics, Handball, Athletics, Abula, Squash,
Wrestling and Kick boxing also settled for one bronze each.

Ayomiposi Akinbola was made the man of this year's tournament after beating his opponent from other States including the hosting State delegate at the final to grab the gold medal in Kickboxing.
Ayomide was pronounced and awarded the best fighter of the 9th NYG, 2025, tournament.

The General Manager of the Sports Council, Mr Fagite Sunday, appreciates the State Government for the timely release of funds, his love and the support given to sports in the State at all times.

Fagite applauded the State contingents for their discipline, cooperation and support during the tournament saying the State government will continue to do better to promote sports in the States.

The 9th National youth games Asaba, 2025 was declared closed amid funfair at the closing ceremony by the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, just as he affirms the commitment of Delta State to the Development of grassroot sports in Nigeria.

In his speech, the Governor promised that the 10th edition of the NYG will also be hosted by the State and will be more elaborate than the just concluded 9th National youth game as "the last bottom of the pot is always the sweetest".

Adenike SANNI

*ONDO STATE TO REPRESENT THE SOUTH WEST ZONE IN THREE TEAM EVENTS AT THE FORTH COMING NYG, ASABA 2025.*

The State representative at the ongoing South West NYG elimination in Ibadan, Oyo State qualifies in three events

Handball (f), Abula (m) and beach volleyball (f)

The State Handball team beats their counterpart from Lagos State 18 : 4, Oyo 18: 5 and Ogun State 11: 5 to top their group at the NYG thereby qualified for youth game proper at Asaba.
Also in Beach volleyball and Abula the State defeated their opponents from other states in the South West zone and came 2nd thereby qualified to represent the South West game and the State at the forthcoming NYG, Asaba, Delta State 2025.

In total, our dear State will parade close to 20 events at the NYG, .

WAFCON: GOV AIYEDATIWA GIFTS SUPER FALCONS PLAYER, TOSIN DEMEHIN, N30M CASH, HOUSE; GIFTS N15M EACH TO TWO CREW MEMBERS

- As Gov vows to support Sunshine Stars' promotion back to NPFL

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has rewarded Super Falcons defender, Tosin Demehin, with ₦30 million cash and a house at Sunshine Estate in Oba-Ile, Akure, for her outstanding performance at the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Nigeria emerged champions.

The Governor made the announcement on Monday, August 4, 2025, during a civic reception in Akure held in honour of Ondo State indigenes who were part of the victorious Super Falcons squad at the tournament held in Morocco last month.

Alongside Demehin, Governor Aiyedatiwa also gifted Mary Akinsola, the team’s media officer, and Mary Oduboku, the team’s secretary, the sum of ₦15 million cash each in recognition of their roles in Nigeria’s historic win.

“This is a proud moment for us. Tosin Demehin has made Ondo State proud on the continental stage. As a token of our appreciation, the state government is awarding her ₦30 million and a house at Sunshine Estate, Oba-Ile,” Governor Aiyedatiwa announced to a cheering audience.

Demehin, who hails from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and played a crucial defensive role throughout the tournament, was described by the Governor as a shining example of talent, discipline, and resilience.

“I am extremely delighted to welcome home our brave daughters. Their dedication, hard work and team spirit helped secure this victory. You have not only brought glory to the nation, but you have honoured Ondo State,” the Governor said.

He praised the contributions of Akinsola and Oduboku, both of whom are also from the southern senatorial district of the state, for their key support roles in the Super Falcons’ campaign.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment in the state.

“We will continue to invest in young talents, create enabling environments, and provide the resources necessary for them to excel in all fields of endeavour especially sports,” he said.

The Governor also pledged to give maximum support to the Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure to ensure quick return of the team to the nation's premier league.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring the Super Falcons team at the national level, noting that such gestures have far-reaching impacts on the morale of athletes across the country.

Henry Segun, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, in his welcome address, promised the Governor that sports would continue to soar in the state with consistent support and strategic investment.

Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Dele Sunday Ajayi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for being the first state governor to honour Super Falcons players and officials who hailed from the State, describing the act as a strong motivation for upcoming athletes.

Responding, Tosin Demehin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and the people of Ondo State for the warm reception and generous reward.

“Receiving this honour from my home state means the world to me. As a former Sunshine Queens player, I know there is massive potential in women’s football here. This support gives hope to many young girls with dreams like mine,” she said.

Demehin also called on stakeholders to rally behind the development of women’s football in the state, stressing that the growth of Nigerian football both male and female is a collective responsibility.

In attendance were Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun omojuwa, Head of Service, Bayo Philip, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, among others.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 4, 2025.

📢 Building a New Standard for Player Representation 📢

To all my fellow volleyball players across the Premier League, Division 1, Division 2,state volleyball teams and the Beach volleyball Tour players ,
For too long, the role of Players' Representative has felt distant. Our voices haven't always been heard, and we haven't always known who was speaking for us and how it was actually done . That I believe, needs to change now.

My campaign isn't just about me being your voice; it's about building a structured, transparent, and sustainable system that ensures every player, in every league, has a direct and powerful say in the future of our sport. I believe we need more than a representative; we need a system that works for us.

🤝 What the Players' Representative Role Truly Is 🤝
First, it’s important to understand what the role of Players' Representative truly entails. It is not just a title; it is a critical position with clear responsibilities to serve you, the athletes. These responsibilities include:
* Being the Voice of the Players: to speak on your behalf and ensure your opinions and concerns are heard at the highest levels of our federation.
* Safeguarding Player Welfare: to advocate for your physical and mental health, ensuring fair working conditions, safety, and proper support systems are in place.
* Acting as a Communication Link: to be the essential bridge between the players and the board, keeping you informed and making sure the board understands our realities.
* Having Input on Policy and Governance: to be in the room and have a say in the rules, regulations, and decisions that affect our game and our lives.

I know the issues we face are numerous. But my campaign is not about simply acknowledging these problems. It's about presenting concrete, actionable solutions to tackle them head-on. I have a blueprint for change, and I'm ready to get to work.

⚙️ A Structured System for Your Feedback ⚙️
My first and most critical action will be to establish a Working Players' Commission. This commission will be the engine of player representation, ensuring that feedback is systematically gathered from all corners of our sport.
A core principle for forming this commission will be to ensure gender balance as much as possible. This is a deliberate step to guarantee that the unique perspectives and needs of both our male and female athletes are equally represented. While balance is our guiding goal, the primary criteria for any role will be a player's proven competence in the given role , dedication, and ability to effectively serve their peers.

My plan for this commission includes:
* 4 Division and Tour Liaisons : We will have a dedicated player from the Premier League, Division 1, Division 2, and the Beach Tour to serve as a direct link between their peers and the commission.
* A Female Representative : A key voice to ensure the specific needs and concerns of our female athletes are always at the forefront of our discussions.
* An Athletes' Wellbeing and Safety Officer : This role will be dedicated to fighting for your health and safety.
* An Education and Career Development Officer : This is a crucial role focused on your future beyond the court. They will assist players with matters of schooling, admissions, and finding links to educational opportunities.
* A Rules and Regulations Advisor : A player who understands the intricacies of the rules and will be our advocate on issues of officiating, disciplinary actions, and fair play.
* A Communications and Transparency Coordinator : This person will manage our communication channels, ensuring that post-board meeting summaries and commission updates are clear, consistent, and easily accessible to every player.

🗳️ Collective Decisions, Not a Single Voice 🗳️
A single representative should not have the final say on the issues that affect us all. That is why every major decision brought before the federation board will be decided by a vote within our 9-member commission. A decision will only go to the board with a majority of at least 5 votes.
My vote is not the final say. This structure guarantees that our position is always a collective one, driven by consensus, not by a single person's opinion.

🏆 A Legacy, Not a Tenure 🏆
This system is built to last far beyond my term.
* I am committed to serving a single, four-year term. This prevents power from being concentrated and guarantees a democratic transition.
* The commission itself will be a training ground for the next generation of leaders.
* we will leave behind a curated Guideline Book that will serve as a blueprint for every future Players' Representative.

This is our chance to move past old ways and build a new standard for player representation in Nigeria.
I am ready to lead this charge, but I cannot do it without you.

I ask for your vote to create a system that is transparent, accountable, and truly represents every player, in every league, for years to come.

My name is Seun Akinbo (c'est Bon) And I am vying for the post of players rep.

Wishing you a happy new month.

Ondo State Sports Council
Aregbesola Thourpey

Congratulations IBB Oosha