By Feyisetan Hamzat
Benny News Hub
IBADAN — The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, has pledged the support of the Council to the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, describing its founder, Mr. Temitope Ademola Obideyi, as a source of pride to CCII and the Ibadan community.
Chief Ajewole made the commitment on Saturday, August 8, 2026, during the official launch of the foundation at Moremi Hall, Academy Suites, Ososami, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The launch was accompanied by a one-day capacity-building seminar for more than 150 coaches drawn from across Oyo State, with participants exposed to knowledge and practical insights aimed at strengthening their professional capacity and improving grassroots sports development.
As part of the programme, all participating coaches received customised Pillar of Sports branded T-shirts, caps and writing materials, further giving the seminar a distinctive identity while providing participants with materials to support their engagement throughout the programme.
The seminar underscored the foundation's focus on developing not only young athletes but also the coaches and sports personnel responsible for identifying, nurturing and guiding talents at the grassroots.
CCII President-General Pledges Council's Support
Speaking at the event, Chief Ajewole, who served as one of the co-launchers, expressed his pride in Obideyi's initiative and assured the foundation of CCII's support.
He noted that the vision of the foundation aligns with the need to create sustainable opportunities for young people and strengthen the structures supporting sports development in Oyo State.
Chief Ajewole's support carries particular significance as CCII had earlier honoured Obideyi with the prestigious Pillar Of Sports, under Icon of Ibadan Heritage, during 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week
, in recognition of his contributions to youth development and community-oriented initiatives.
His presence at the launch, alongside members of Lagelu 16, an affiliate club of CCII to which Obideyi belongs, further demonstrated the Council's continued identification with one of its own.
Elegbeda Commends Turnout, Calls for Support
The Elegbeda of Egbeda, His Royal Majesty Oba Adegboyega Sanni, also a member of Lagelu 16 and a father figure to Obideyi, expressed delight at the large turnout of dignitaries, coaches and stakeholders despite the founder's absence from the event.
Oba Sanni, who hails from the same Egbeda Local Government as Obideyi, urged those present to support the foundation's vision, stressing that initiatives designed to create opportunities for young people require collective backing.
The monarch also noted the intense competition within the sports industry, emphasising the need to equip young talents with the right guidance, mentorship and support to enable them navigate the sector and maximise their potential.
Owolabi, Sports Stakeholders Grace Launch
Among the prominent personalities at the event was former Nigerian international footballer and sports administrator, Dr. Felix Owolabi (MON), who served as a co-launcher.
Other dignitaries included Rt. Hon. Babatunde David Olaniyan (Akoro), Chief Taiwo Salami, Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), and Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi (Bibire), Deputy Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor.
The Publicity Secretary of CCII, Mr. Kola Olomide, was also present, alongside traditional rulers from Ona Ara Local Government, community leaders, sports administrators, coaches and other distinguished guests.
The gathering reflected broad stakeholder interest in strengthening grassroots sports development and creating a more structured pathway for young people with sporting potential.
Building Coaches, Developing Young Talents
The capacity-building seminar for more than 150 coaches formed a significant part of the foundation's inaugural programme, demonstrating its emphasis on developing the people who work directly with young athletes.
By investing in coaches and other sports development personnel, the foundation seeks to contribute to a stronger grassroots sports ecosystem in Oyo State, where emerging talents can receive better guidance, mentorship and professional development.
The launch of the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, therefore, went beyond a ceremonial unveiling. It introduced an initiative that has placed coach development, grassroots talent discovery and youth empowerment at the centre of its mission.
With the support pledged by CCII and the presence of traditional institutions, sports administrators, coaches and community stakeholders, the foundation is positioned to build partnerships capable of advancing sports development and creating meaningful opportunities for young people across Oyo State.
