- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
In a bid to promote local and traditional sports at the grassroots level signaling the keying into the 6- Point Agenda of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Executive Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Prince Michael Ogungbemi, has distributed cash prizes to winners of Ayo Olopon Game in the council.
The competition, which started some weeks back was structured in a way that the 10 communities in the council are paired, wherein 5 winners had emerged.
Meanwhile, the chairman in a statement in Ayedun-Ekiti, on Sunday, revealed that the contestant from Itapaji-Ekiti, Mark Adebayo, emerged winner, with 12 point, while contestant from Irele-Ekiti, Bankole Aina, ranked second, with 11 point.
Also, Ogungbemi added that contestant from Ayebode-Ekiti in the game, Adesuyi Olorunbe, came third.
He said: “The Contestant went home with a Golden plaited Trophy and Cash reward of N50,000 for the winner, second position with N40,000 and third position was awarded with N30,000.
“While the last 2 contestants who tied on the 4th & 5th positions went home with a consolation prize of N10,000 each”.
Speaking about how the game commenced, Ogungbemi stated that five contestants that emerged at the preliminary level in their towns played the finals at the council Secretariat.
“They played a league-like competition, which was keenly contested for and the winners emerged from the points garnered after the competition”.
Speaking about why he conceptualised the competition, Ogungbemi stated that this effort was aimed at preserving the heritage and culture, so it doesn’t go into extinction.
He noted that the competition will help foster unity, oneness and togetherness amongst the people.
He emphasized that the kernel behind the game is to see the winner of the competition represent Ekiti State at the National Sport Festival and ultimately represent Nigeria at the Olympics to place Ajoni on the world map.
Speaking after the event, the contestants appreciated the Chairman for his foresight and effort in advancing the course of the council and for prioritizing youth and sport development.
They said: “This local sport (Ayo Olopon) will help promote our Indigenous culture. This indigenous game is a mind and brain-engaging game, so it is a game that promotes a positive mindset.
“It inspires the ability to think fast on the spot, take the right decision and make the right move when it matters most. It promotes the can-do spirit and boosts the resilience of the players to see things to the end.
“This effort by the Chairman is all in his bid to ensure that the very act and essence of governance reaches the nooks and crannies of the communities and as well touch people’s life’s with his developmental agenda as he is driven by Innovation, Passion and Creativity”.
