The much-anticipated Yewa Unity Football Competition (Youth Championship) 2025 officially commenced on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with a grand flag-off ceremony held at multiple venues across Yewaland. The event, organized by the Yewa Youth Association (YYA), aims to foster unity, peace, and development through sports while showcasing the region’s abundant football talent.
The opening matches were held at Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro; Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado-Odo; and YNLG Primary School, Ijoun. The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Olusola Akinbode; traditional rulers such as Kabiyesi Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Olushola Idris Lamidi Osolo; Kabiyesi Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Abdul-Azeez Ishola Adelakun; Kabiyesi Onijoun of Ijoun, Oba Gabriel Ogunji; Kabiyesi Onigboko of Igboko, Oba Itu Olasunkanmi Yusuf Oladehinde; and Kabiyesi Onijale of Ijale-Ketu, Oba B. B. Oyero. Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) of Yewa South, Com. Abdul-Jabar Ayelaagbe; the Divisional Police Officer of Ado-Odo; security chiefs; Baales; high chiefs; and representatives of the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC).
In his speech, delivered by the YYA Deputy President, Com. Isikalu Olanrewaju, the President of the Yewa Youth Association emphasized the tournament’s broader significance. “This competition is more than just a football tournament; it’s a platform to bring our people together, foster friendship, celebrate our heritage, and promote the exceptional football talents of our youth to the football world for the benefit of Yewa people and Ogun State in general.” He also expressed gratitude to the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Alayeluwa Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Yewa Traditional Council, and other stakeholders for their support, while calling for sponsorships to ensure the success of future stages.
The tournament features 25 town teams from across Yewaland, with scouts from local and international football academies expected to attend. The competition, which will run for seven weeks, promises to be a thrilling showcase of football skills and talent, culminating in the final match scheduled for March 2025.
Dr. Olusola Akinbode, Executive Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, commended the YYA for their initiative, stating, “This is a laudable effort that aligns with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, and development in our communities. I am proud that this competition is organized by the youth of Yewaland.”
Kabiyesi Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Olushola Idris Osolo, praised the organizers for their inclusive approach, noting, “This program speaks to the unity of Yewa by involving every key stakeholder. It is a step toward collectively bringing glory to Yewa, Ogun West, Ogun State, and Nigeria.”
Other traditional rulers and officials, including the DPO of Ado-Odo, lauded the professionalism of the match officials and participating teams, expressing hope that the spirit of sportsmanship would prevail throughout the competition.
The Yewa Unity Cup 2025 is set to be a landmark event, uniting communities and spotlighting the region’s football potential on a larger stage.
