The General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Mr. Ademola Daini, has commended the sponsor of the Late Babatunde Olusegun Ojuola Under-12 Handball Championship, Mobolaji Ojuola, describing the initiative as a shining example of sustainable grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
Mr. Daini made the remarks during the grand finale of the championship held at the Lekan Salami Stadium Handball Court, Adamasingba, Ibadan, where young handball talents from Oyo and Osun States competed in a highly successful inter-state tournament.
Speaking at the event, the Osun Sports Council boss praised the vision behind the competition, noting that such initiatives are critical to the long-term growth of sports beyond elite and professional levels.
“This championship is a clear demonstration of what grassroots development should look like. Bolaji Ojuola has shown leadership and commitment by investing in young athletes, and this is a model that should be encouraged and sustained,” Mr. Daini said.
He called on former Nigerian international athletes to follow the example set by the sponsor by giving back to the system that produced them, stressing that their experience and resources can play a transformative role in youth sports development.
Mr. Daini also urged the Nigerian government at all levels to broaden its sports development agenda beyond football, emphasizing the need for increased investment in other sports such as handball.
“Football cannot be the only sport we focus on. If we are serious about sports development and youth engagement, then disciplines like handball must also receive the attention, funding, and infrastructure they deserve,” he added.
Osun State was represented in the championship by two secondary schools, whose participation, according to Mr. Daini, reflects the state’s growing interest in grassroots handball and youth sports development.
He expressed optimism that with continued support from stakeholders, private sponsors, and government institutions, handball in Osun State and across Nigeria would witness steady growth and improved competitiveness.
The Late Babatunde Olusegun Ojuola Under-12 Handball Championship has been widely praised by stakeholders as a landmark initiative, reinforcing the importance of early talent identification, structured competition, and collaborative investment in the future of Nigerian sports.
