JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The *Oduduwa Football Tournament* has received significant traditional endorsement from *Oba Gbolahan Akanbi Timson Jagunmolu III* of Shomolu Bariga, in a development widely seen as a significant boost to grassroots sports and youth development across Yorubaland.
In a historic and symbolic gesture aimed at promoting unity and empowerment of youth through sports, the monarch formally endorsed the *Oduduwa Football Tournament* under the leadership of *Prince Kolawole Oripinye*, CEO of *Silversport Nigeria Limited* and Director of *Oduduwa Sport Limited.*
The royal endorsement ceremony took place on *March 11, 2026*, when the management of the Oduduwa Football Tournament presented the official *Certificate of Royal Endorsement* to the monarch at his palace. The presentation marked another important milestone in the growing recognition and support for the tournament’s vision of youth empowerment and sports development in the South West.
The Oduduwa Football Tournament is a regional grassroots football competition designed to unite the Yoruba-speaking states of Nigeria while discovering and nurturing young football talent. The initiative seeks to provide a structured platform where emerging actors from local communities can showcase their skills and obtain opportunities that can lead to national and international recognition.
Beyond the excitement of football, the tournament represents a broader mission: to promote unity, celebrate Yoruba cultural heritage and strengthen regional identity through sport.
During the endorsement ceremony, *Oba Gbolahan Akanbi Timson Jagunmolu III* reaffirmed his strong commitment to youth development and community advancement. He praised the vision behind the tournament and pledged to use his influence and leadership position to support the growth of the initiative.
The monarch emphasized that sport remains one of the most effective tools for social transformation, peacebuilding and economic opportunities for young people.
He further revealed that he would encourage traditional rulers across Yorubaland to support the Oduduwa Football Tournament, noting that sports possess a unique power to unite communities and inspire the younger generation.
The royal father also urged the organizers to remain focused and committed to the project, emphasizing that the tournament has great potential to become an important platform for youth empowerment and talent discovery.
Oba Jagunmolu III called on corporate organisations, political leaders, traditional institutions and well-meaning individuals across the South West and Nigeria as a whole to partner and support the Oduduwa Football Tournament.
According to the monarch, “when we empower our youth through sport and structured opportunities, we are ensuring the future of our people.”
The royal endorsement further strengthens the credibility and vision of the Oduduwa Football Tournament as a strategic platform for youth mobilization, regional development and long-term investment in grassroots football.
With growing support from traditional institutions, growing public interest and strong leadership from its organisers, the Oduduwa Football Tournament is steadily positioning itself to become one of the most influential grassroots sporting initiatives in the South West region of Nigeria.
