The Asiwaju of Orile Imo in Obafemi Owode Local Government area of Ogun State , Asiwaju Olalekan Joseph, has celebrated his birthday in a remarkable way by organizing a youth-focused sporting event tagged the “Asiwaju Kiddies Football Tournament”, aimed at discovering and nurturing young football talents in the community.
Speaking after the event on Monday, Asiwaju Olalekan Joseph, who described himself as a passionate lover of football and sports generally, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his leadership in promoting sports development in the state.
According to him, the inspiration to host the tournament came from the Governor’s decision to organize a national sports festival in Ogun State earlier in the year.
“I thank God and I thank His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun. Early this year, the Governor organized a national sports festival in Ogun State, and that’s where I emulated him. I believe that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, and Orile Imo is blessed with great football talents,” he said.
Asiwaju Olalekan noted that his commitment to sporting activities goes beyond the tournament, stressing that he has been supporting sports for a long time and will continue to do so.
Beyond football, he also revealed that the celebration would extend to community development initiatives, as he plans to commission lock-up shops and an estate named “Laleck Estate, Bara, Orile Imo”. In addition, he promised empowerment programmes for artisans, traders, and widows within the community.
Community leaders and residents hailed his contributions to Orile Imo. The Youth Leader of the town Chief Jimoh Olorunsogo, described him as a high-profile personality who has brought remarkable development to the community, praying for his long life and continued success.
Also, the Baale of Odofin in Orile Imo Chief Omolade Sosanya lauded Asiwaju Joseph’s consistency in organizing football tournaments and his empowerment initiatives.
“He has been organizing football tournaments for a very long time, and we are very happy with it. He takes care of widows and empowers people with working tools,” he said.
