GOV MIMIKO PRAISES OLA MAFO AT BOOKS’ LAUNCH

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has showered praises on two –time Commissioner in the State and former Chairman of the NFF Electoral Appeals Committee, Prince John Ola Mafo, at the launching of two books written by the latter in Akure on Thursday. Mafo is also the new Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency.

Drawing inspiration from famous author, Francis Bacon’s assertion that “reading maketh a full man; conferences maketh a ready man and; writing maketh an exact man,” Mimiko insisted that Mafo’s accomplishment of two, not one, books at the same time, fully established his place in the pantheon of exact men.

“I want to say here without any fear or favour that the Mafo family has long been one renowned for its integrity and capacity in Ondo State. Prince Ola Mafo is an institution, and everyone within the political landscape of Ondo knows that it is always better to have him on your side. With these books, he has further established his undoubted cerebral capacity and love for social equality and development of man.”

Mafo’s first book, Echoes of The Waves, mirrors the challenges that confront an average Nigerian child from the rural area, especially an aquatic terrain, and how he can make it through the odds stacked against him/her. The second, Wazobian Revolution, is set against a society where amidst great potential, the under-privileged is in a great dilemma, occasioned by the double standards on display in his country, limiting his options and by extension his progress.

The occasion was an assemblage of Who Is Who in Ondo State, with Mimiko and cabinet members Eyitayo Jegede (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice), Sola Ebiseni (Commissioner for Environment), Jide Adejuyigbe (Commissioner for Education), Gboye Adegbenro (Commissioner for Works), Yele Ogundipe (Commissioner for Finance), Dayo Awude (Commissioner for Youth & Sports) and Dayo Adeyanju (Commissioner for Health).

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State

There were also Hon. Victor Akinjo Kolade (Member, House of Representatives), Toyin Akinkuotu (Head of Service), Kola Ademujimi (Chief of Staff to Governor), assemblymen Dayo Akinsoyinu and Kemi Adesanya, Prince Dapo Ajibade and chairmen of parastatals.

The Nigeria Football Federation was represented by Ademola Olajire (Assistant Director, Communications) and Olusola Ogunnowo (Executive Secretary, Nigeria Nation-Wide League One).

Adeniji Thanks Oliseh, Aims To Break NPFL Goal Record

Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, leading marksman Tunde Adeniji has thanked new Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh for giving him the opportunity to prove himself in the senior national team.

Oliseh on Friday named the former Rising Stars of Akure striker among a strong 23 home–based professionals for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania.

Adeniji, who is just 19, was discovered by scouts of the Ondo State Football Agency, ODSFA, while playing for Methodist High School in Okitipupa, Ondo state and he insists his target is not just to become the league’s highest goal scorer this season but also to break the NPFL all time goal record of 23 goal set last season by Enyimba’s Mfon Udoh.

“My target is to break the record created by Mfon Udoh last season. He scored 23 goals and with the help of my team mates, I know I can go pass that record this season,”

The erstwhile Rising Stars of Akure forward, has scored 12 goals so far, one ahead of Heartland’s Bright Ejike who is on 11 goals.

His goals have helped Sunshine Stars reclaim NPFL top position from Enyimba of Aba.

Sen. Akinyelure, Akinlaja To Declare AASTON U-14 Closed

The organizing committee of the Akin Akinbobola Under 14 Soccer Tournament (AASTON) has said that all plans have been concluded to witness a mini-world cup closing ceremony on Friday, January 9 at the Ondo Township Stadium.

Chairman of the committee, Kayode Adeyemi dropped the hint yesterday in Ondo while addressing newsmen on the activities lined up for the final of the tournament.

He maintained that the tournament have been a huge success and it shall end beautifully on Friday.

“We have mobilized the who is who in the society, schools in the kingdom will grace the grand finale, so we are expecting a mini-world cup closing ceremony on Friday.

“The LOC has strictly selected a few secondary and primary schools to grace the occasion, but others are welcome subject to the limited resources we have. The tournament is an eye opener to greater grassroots football development in the kingdom and the state in general.

Akin Akinbobola Under 14 Soccer Tournament

“The tournament has engaged our youths for the past three weeks and we hope to bring the outstanding talents discovered during the competition together and develop so they can take up football as a career”, he said.

Adeyemi however disclosed that Sentor Ayo Akinyelure will be the father of day, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, special guest of honour while Otunba Ade Adeniyi, Hon. Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, Mr. Siji Akindiose, Barr. Afolabi Akinsiku will all be guest.

The caretaker chairmen of Ondo West and East Local Government area of Ondo State, Biola Makinde and Wale Akinlosotu will be the chief hosts.

Sporting Hope reports that Akinsoyinu FC defeated Super Marvelous 2-0 in the s-final to book a date with Bright Future FC in the final that beat Marpec FC 5-4 on penalties after the game ended 0-0.

The loser’s final will be between Super Marvelous and Marpec FC by 12 noon.

NESTLE MILO BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: BENUE TEAMS REIGN SUPREME

Two teams from Benue State left no stones unturned claiming the two top positions in the boy’s and girl’s categories at the National finals of the 2014 edition of the Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship just concluded in Lagos.

Government Secondary School Gboko, Benue State and CAC Grammar School Akure, Ondo State took the center stage first in the girls final. Giant killers CAC Grammar School Akure that sent defending champions St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School Bayelsa packing in the semi-final were very cautious in their approach to the game.

FINALS EDO VS BENUE

Government Secondary School Gboko however did not keep anybody in doubt establishing their superiority. At and of the 4th quarter it was 35-25. The captain of Government Secondary School Gboko, Akina Dowesin said the victory was well deserved. Of course she attributed their victory to teamwork, and the determination to succeed. ‘’We are happy the trophy is with us. We did our best, we thank Nestle Milo it was a good outing’’.

The runner-up CAC Grammar School Akure appearing for the first time at the National finals of the Nestle Milo Championship say it was a good experience. Team Coach Emeka Onyeobi commended his girls for putting up a good fight. ‘’I am happy my team proved we got to the final via handwork’’. It was still Benue State all the way in the boy’s final game where Jesus College Oturkpo took on Henson Demonstration School Benin Edo State.

2014 CHAMPS BENUE GIRLS

Parading the championship tallest player Emmanuel Umofia, Henson Demonstration School started on a promising note. At the end of the first quarter the boys led 23-14. However, the tide changed towards the end of the second quarter where Jesus College Oturkpo leveled and established the lead 35-31.

The Benue boys did not lose grip as they continued to pick up points until the end of the 4th quarter with a total of 72 points to 59. Coach Alex Osamuyi of Henson Demonstration School confirmed that stamina and fatigue were the problems that militated against his team. ‘’Most of my key players could not really keep the pace.

2014 CHAMPS BENUE BOYS

We did very well in the first quarter but unfortunately unable to sustain it’’. Coach Ajadi Isiaka of Jesus College Oturkpo Benue State commended his team for their tactical discipline and playing to instruction. ‘’When we were down in the first quarter we changed our game plan’’. Coach Isiaka says his team will now build on the success achieved at this year’s championship.

He is also happy that some of his players were picked for Top 50 Camp in Lagos.

LLTC launches Youth Tennis Foundation

The Lagos Lawn Tennis Club(LLTC) will host its Annual Gala Night tonight at the club house with a Business Lecture and a fund-raising for a proposed Youth Tennis Foundation to kick start the celebration.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Barr. Rotimi Edu, stated that the Breakfast Business Lecture will be delivered by the Managing Dirsctor of First Bank, Mr Bisi Onasanya, today.

The Lecture according to Edu doubles as the flag-off of the launch at the fund-raising for the LLTC Youth Tennis Academy which will produce future tennis stars for the club and country.

Expected to grace the occasion is the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, while the Royal Father of the day is the Olugbo of Ugboland, Ondo State, Oba (Dr.) Federick Obateru Akinruntan.

Falconets Play Goalless Draw With Sunshine Queens

Nigeria’s U-20 Women National Team, The Falconets , played a goal less draw against Sunshine Queens of Akure in a friendly.

The match took place at the Ondo township stadium.
As part of burial activities for Ondo State Governor’s mother in-law, the late chief Felicia Modupe Adeneyi.

The two teams put on a good fight, with both sides missing scoring chances.

Head coach, Peter Dedevbo, said  sunshine queens played a robust match trying to impress the home crowd.

“I had to advice my girls to  play safe to avoid  injuries as the world cup draws closer”.

The match  he notes is a build up to  friendly against the Black Princess of Ghana next month.

” Friendlies will give me the opportunity to experiment on the team’s performance”.

He said the technical crew is not relaxing on the Ondo result, but will intensify preparations for the world cup.

“I must ensure that the team’s training from now on be focused on ball work and the physical build of the players”.

Governor olusegun Mimiko and his wife Olukemi Mimiko were among hundreds of spectators who watched the match.

NFF Logo

Command Day School Akure holds first Inter-House Sports Wednesday

All is set for the first annual Inter-House Sports competition of the Command Day Secondary School, Akure Ondo State slated for Wednesday at the Cantonment Sports field.

Principal of the school, Mrs. Jane Ejimofor told newsmen yesterday in Akure that the only way to better help students reach their potential is to provide them many different outlets and opportunities to succeed in which sports remains one.

“Besides in the classroom, many young people create friendships on the playing field which help these children better understand themselves and also their surroundings.

“Sport is fundamental to the early development of students and the skills learned during play help their growth”, she added.

Chairman Planning Committee, Mr. Adeniran Adegoke said all logistics have been put together to witness a colourful sporting event, saying sports contributes to the holistic development of young people.

“Sport is an attractive activity for both young and old. It is often used to recruit children to health and education programmes”.

Meanwhile, Sports Mistress, Mrs. Deborah Samson disclosed that students will only compete in eight track events and match past to mark the maiden edition.

Mrs. Samson added that four secondary schools within the state have been invited to participate in the school invitational relay event.

Ondo is not pulling out of DAWN Games, says Famakinwa

Contrary to report that Ondo State has pulled out of the maiden Secondary School Sports Games tagged DAWN Games, the Director General of DAWN Commission, Dipo Famakinwa has refuted this report, saying, Ondo will be part of the competition holding in Lagos.

“DAWN Commission, the Regional agency managing the Southwest integration agenda, would like to state that the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko was duly notified, along with his brother Governors, of the design, the processes and planning of the DAWN Games 2014,” he said.

He added: “And of course, Ondo State has been duly represented at all the preliminary meetings leading to the hosting of the Games. Indeed, at the initial Stakeholders’ Meeting comprising the six (6) States where the Rules and Regulations and Timelines for the DAWN Games 2014 were agreed upon, Ondo State was represented at that meeting by the Director in charge of Sports in the State Ministry of Education.

“Also at the Joint Technical Meeting of all the Stakeholders, and Inspection of facilities for the Games which took place in Lagos on April 23 – 25, 2014, Ondo State was fully represented at the meeting by Mr. Jide Fawolu, the Director, School Sports, Ondo State. In fact at that meeting, the State representative submitted the duly completed DAWN Games 2014 Preliminary Entry Forms to the Technical Sub-committee, which was a confirmation of the State’s participation at the DAWN Games,” Famakinwa said.

He continued, “It must also be stated that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has been a major stakeholder in the planning of the Games. In fact, Dr. Steve Olarinoye and Mr. Peter Nelson have represented the NSC South West Zone as members of the Central Working Committee and Local Organising Committee of the Games.”

He said that games for Secondary Schools in the Southwest is designed as an annual event to be hosted on a rotational basis among all the six States in the Region.

“The Games forms part of the holistic roadmap for the economic and social integration of the Southwest Region of Nigeria, especially with regards to the discovery of new sporting talents, creation of opportunities for personal development, culture promotion, employment generation, crime reduction, and to further engender brotherly relations among the constituent States, as well as reinforcing the unique affinities of the people of the Region,” he said.

The DG added: “It is part of the overall strategy for leveraging and optimizing the favourable demographic swing within the Region on a sustainable basis. The Games have nothing to do with politics. In fact the Commission has no such mandate in the pursuit of all its actions.