As his tenure draws to a close, the Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Mr. Rasaq Ajala, has proudly reflected on the successes and impact of the Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup, a grassroots football initiative that has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for youth in the community.
The tournament, which has now produced players who have represented Nigeria at U-17 and U-20 levels, stands as a powerful symbol of what community-driven sports development can achieve.
“The Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup has produced talented youngsters who have gone on to represent Nigeria at the age-grade level,” Ajala stated.
He continued, “It has also provided an enabling environment for young people to showcase their talents with the right exposure.”
Mr. Ajala highlighted a particularly proud milestone, local talents scouted through the tournament went on to represent Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA at the prestigious Gothia Cup in Sweden.
“That’s a testament to the raw talent within the community and the platform we’ve built to nurture it,” he added.
Ajala also explained the journey of how the tournament evolved, noting that it began as the HRA Cup five years ago.
“When we first conceived the idea, our primary goal was to create a platform for the incredible talent we knew existed within our community, In order to sustain it beyond my administration, we rebranded it as the Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup from the third edition onward” he said.
Now in its fifth edition, the tournament has become more than just a football competition, it is a launching pad for young dreams, a rallying point for community spirit, and a reflection of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA’s commitment to youth development.
