In a groundbreaking moment for grassroots digital innovation and youth empowerment, Odogbolu Local Government Area etched its name in the history books by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Local Government-sponsored Esports event. The event, held at the prestigious Oladipupo Diya Library, was championed by the visionary Executive Chairman, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Tunde Diya.
In collaboration with the Esports Federation of Nigeria and the National Sports Commission, the historic tournament featured an electrifying exhibition match and open-play contests, drawing 31 registered participants from across the LocalGovernment. The initiative signals a new era of local sports development and firmly positions Odogbolu on Nigeria’s digital economy map.
Mr. Lucky Koiza Oyanna, CEO of Clearer™ and co-sponsor of the event, passionately addressed the audience, urging participants to see Esports as more than a game—an entryway to broader digital opportunities including forex, cryptocurrency, and the global tech industry.“This is the first time I am stepping out of Lagos to sponsor an Esports event,” Mr. Oyanna remarked. “I’m highly impressed. Odogbolu is indeed lucky to have a chairman who sees the future.”
Other supporters of the Local Government towards the Esports are Dr Seun Sokan Foundation ( DSS ), Otunba Bankole Habeeb Ougbile, CEO Sahill Group, Honourable Bolu Owootomo, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Security, Otunba Olawale Osinubi - WESCO Lotto & Mr Jesse of FarmKart.
Delivering his keynote address, Hon. Dr. Tunde Diya gave glory to God and expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for their support in embracing Esports—a global industry valued at over $180 billion. He also appreciated Dr. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, and Mrs. Damilola Pedro, Chief Operations Officer of the Esports Federation of Nigeria, for their commitment to the initiative. He thanked specially Sub-Saharan Gaming Systems for sponsoring the set-up of an eSports center in the Oladipo Diya Library to have the new champions train there for FREE and become global champions of tomorrow.
“Today is a call to our youth to embrace Esports and the Digital Economy to tap into, explore and take advantage of this avenue as a means of self-empowerment and financial emancipation,”
The top 10 finalists from this competition were handsomely rewarded with cash prizes and will be camped and trained prior to the beginning of any competitions. The preparation for the Upcoming Esports Varsity Games a part of the NUGA competition, which will be hosted by TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, also has Sub-Saharan Gaming Systems Limited fully pledged to sponsor Odogbolu Local Government ahead of the tournament. "We have seen the commitment of the Council Chairman and are vested to deepen this partnership with the LGA, in order to encourage them to remain a beacon of innovation for the youth demography.” commented Mr Dolapo Akinpelu, the CEO of the company.
Mr Seyi Oyekan, the Odogbolu Local Government's Supervisor for Youths, Sports & Education thanked the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON for been a ray of hope for the youths as always by adopting esports as a new means of empowering the youths. He equally thanked the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Govt, Dr Diya for been a visionary and keying quickly into the Federal & State Government's plan and immediately amplifying it at the grassroots level.
*Tournament Highlights:*
The contest featured intense competition across four game categories. From the 31 players shortlisted out of a 100 registered, 8 players rose to the quarter-finals:
Bello Olatunbosun
Sunday Afolabi
Ahmed Sofiu
Malik Adetunji
Ayomide
Abiye
Sodiq
Anderson
Advancing to the semi-finals were Bello, Malik, Anderson, and Ayomide.
Third-Place Match: Malik Adetunji defeated Ayomide.
Final Match: Bello Olatunbosun emerged as the overall champion, overpowering Anderson with a 3–0 scoreline.
Dignitaries in Attendance:
Vice Chairman Odogbolu LGA: Hon. ( Princess ) Adeyinka Victoria
Rt. Hon. Adesoye Akeem Tunde, Leader of the House, ODLG.
Deacon Stanley Olunogun, Secretary to the Local Government.
Odogbolu LGA APC Party Chairman, Akogub Muyiwa Idowu.
Mrs. Damilola Pedro, Chief Operations Officer, Esports Federation of Nigeria.
Mrs Susan Adenoyi, Members Federation of Esports.
Mrs Kunmi Adenipebi, Members Federation of Esports.
Mr Dolapo Akinpelu - CEO Sub-Saharan Gaming Systems Limited.
Mr. Lucky Koiza Oyanna, CEO, Clearer™.
Hon. Dauda Monsuru Sunday, Councillor Representing Ward 4.
Hon. Taofeek Olawale Oyetunji, Councillor Representing Ward 5.
Hon. Oluwaseyi Oyekan, Supervisor for Education, Youth and Sports.
Comrade Adeola Akinyemi
State Vice Chairman.
Ogun East Senatorial District.
Com.shittu Saheed.
State programme Officer .
Comrade Bunmi Ajibola Ogun east organizing secretary
Comrade Bode Ahmed State NYCN member.
Comrade KAZEEM Erinle Member State NYCN.
Mr Olawale Okunnuga - President National Youth Council, Odogbolu Chapter.
Bolanle Olayoriju, Business Developer.
Peter Pishing, Exchange Officer