The Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, officially flagged off the week-long activities marking his first anniversary in office with the commencement of the BSA/BOJ Under-21 Inter-Ward Football Competition, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth development, grassroots sports, and community engagement.
The opening ceremony, held at the Imota Mini Stadium, attracted sports enthusiasts, party faithful, community stakeholders, and residents who gathered to witness the symbolic kick-off of the tournament. The competition features talented young footballers from the four political wards in Imota LCDA, providing a platform for healthy rivalry, talent discovery, and youth empowerment.
The opening day’s fixtures produced thrilling encounters between Atere Stars FC and Alimi Rugged FC, Ori-Okuta FC and Maja FC, Doing Good FC and Impeccable FC, as well as Ward C Stars FC and Atere 2 Stars FC. The matches showcased the abundance of football talent within the council area and entertained spectators with exciting displays of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
In the opening fixtures, Atere Stars FC secured a 3–0 walkover victory over Alimi Rugged FC. Ori-Okuta FC played out a 1–1 draw with Maja FC before emerging victorious 6–5 in the penalty shootout. Doing Good FC also settled for a 1–1 draw against Impeccable FC but lost 5–4 on penalties. Ward C Stars FC and Atere 2 Stars FC played a goalless draw, with Ward C Stars FC triumphing 8–7 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Speaking at the event, the Supervisor for Youth and Sports in Imota LCDA and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Hon. Akinyemi Olusoga Victor, described sports as a powerful instrument for promoting unity, discipline, and social development. He noted that the football competition reflects the BSA/BOJ administration’s broader vision of investing in young people by creating opportunities that inspire excellence, promote healthy living, and discourage social vices. He also expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development.
Also speaking, the Leader of the House, Hon. Adeshina Ademola Oluwole, commended the initiative, describing the tournament as a strategic investment in the future of the community. He said the competition goes beyond identifying football talents, as it is designed to foster friendship among youths from different wards, encourage teamwork, strengthen communal harmony, and promote peaceful coexistence across Imota LCDA.
The Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Hon. Shofowora Olumide Adeleke, also applauded the Chairman for prioritising sports development as part of his administration’s first anniversary celebration. He encouraged participating teams to uphold the spirit of fair play and discipline throughout the competition, stressing that every participant stands to benefit from the exposure and experience the tournament offers.
Football lovers were treated to entertaining displays of skill and determination as participating teams battled for early points in the competition. Supporters from different wards turned out in large numbers to cheer on their teams, creating an atmosphere of excitement and reinforcing the role of sports as a unifying force capable of bringing communities together regardless of political or social differences.
The BSA/BOJ Under-21 Inter-Ward Football Competition is one of several activities lined up to commemorate the Executive Chairman’s first anniversary in office. Other programmes include community development initiatives, health interventions, religious services, youth-focused engagements, security programmes, and empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of residents.
As the anniversary celebration continues, many residents have commended Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele’s administration for prioritising youth inclusion and grassroots development, expressing optimism that the tournament will discover future football stars while leaving a lasting legacy of unity, peace, and sustainable community development across Imota LCDA.
