Grassroots Sports Drive in Ekiti Gains National Attention as Oyebanji’s Re-election Push Builds Momentum
By Idowu Adebomi A grassroots sports development initiative in Eporo, Emure Local Government Area, is drawing national interest after it produced new sporting talents while simultaneously strengthening political support for the re-election bid of Biodun Oyebanji. The programme, spearheaded by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Olusola Osetoba, reflects a growing trend among subnational governments leveraging grassroots engagement to drive both youth development and political capital ahead of future elections. Held over the weekend, the sporting outreach attracted wide participation from youths and children, featuring a mix of recreational and competitive activities including table tennis, relay races, sack races, and a football match in which Rising Stars FC edged Akeye United 1-0. At the end of the exercise, five young athletes were identified for further development, underscoring the programme’s dual objective of talent discovery and community engagement. Th...
