The Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rasaq Ajala, has reiterated the council’s commitment to empowering youths through sports.

At the council’s sports fiesta, Ajala stated that the event aims to identify and project the sports potentials of youths, providing them with meaningful empowerment. He noted that the program has successfully identified talented youths in boxing, football, and table tennis.

The chairman emphasized the importance of promoting physical fitness and healthy living among residents. The fiesta began with a walkathon, encouraging participants to prioritize their well-being.

Ajala also addressed economic concerns, revealing that the council’s programs are funded through internal generated revenue and monthly allocations from the federation, without taking loans.

He urged residents to live harmoniously, shun violence, and engage in positive activities. He also stated during the December festive season The council has initiated palliatives, including subsidized chicken for elderly residents, to support those struggling economically.

Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the League of States Sports Commission, praised the sports initiative launched by Rasaq Ajala, Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), as a “wonderful, great, and commendable” effort that promotes community building and creation.

According to Fatodu, a healthy, active, and energetic population is essential for driving economic growth, and this project is a shining example of how community-led initiatives can make a real difference.

He noted that if similar initiatives were replicated across Local Governments, the impact on socio-economic development would be significant. He also highlighted the importance of adopting this kind of initiative as a permanent way of life, rather than just an annual event.

Engr. Adigun Ibrahim, NYCN Lagos State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), commended the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for its annual Sports Fiesta, which has grown in participation from 5,000 in its first edition to nearly 10,000 this year.

He stated that the initiative enables the discovery of hidden talents among youth and promotes sports as an alternative to social vices. The Sports Fiesta has not only showcased local talent but also produced athletes who have represented Lagos State and Nigeria in national and international competitions. Some participants have even gone on to compete in the West African Games.

Engr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of exploring opportunities in the sports industry, citing boxing, basketball, football, badminton, and table tennis as examples. He encouraged young people to take up different sporting activities and invest their energy professionally.

According to Otunba Adebayo Adekunle, Chairman of the CDC Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), he said exercise should be a continuous process, not a one-off event most especially for the elderly ones.