- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The recent grassroots sports initiative embarked on by the Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti in Ekiti State has begins to yielding positive results as talents discovered through the Eporo Community Games have taken their first decisive step into structured football development, as Adebiyi Olaoluwa a midfielder and
Boniface John striker and Feranmi Peace joined the Ekiti United Feeders Team for their first training session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
The duo emerged from the Eporo Community Games—an initiative driven by Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Advisor on Sports Development—as part of a deliberate grassroots approach designed to identify and transition promising athletes into the state’s development pipeline.
Held on Saturday, April 26, the Games brought together young talents across football and athletics, creating a platform where performance met opportunity. However, beyond the competition and community engagement, the initiative was structured with a clear objective: ensure that standout talents are not left behind, but are guided into a system that supports their growth.
The immediate inclusion of Adebiyi Olaoluwa a midfielder and Feranmi Peace who plays a striking role, joined the Ekiti United Feeders Team underscores this continuity. Their move from community-level competition into an organized training environment reflects a working model where discovery is directly linked to development.
This approach aligns with the broader sports development vision of Biodun Oyebanji, which prioritizes sustainable talent identification and nurturing from the grassroots. By connecting initiatives like the Eporo Community Games to established football structures, Ekiti State continues to build a functional pathway for young athletes to progress.
The transition of these players serves as a clear indication that the state’s grassroots strategy is yielding results—transforming local potential into real opportunities within a structured system.
