The 2024 edition of the Osun State Governor’s Cup came to a thrilling conclusion yesterday at the Osogbo Township Stadium, where secondary schools from across the 30 local government areas of Osun State showcased their talents and passion for football. The grand finale saw Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, and Lanre Leke Sports Academy, Ile Ogbo, battle it out for the prestigious title in a nail-biting encounter.
Representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, the executive governor of Osun State, Honourable Adewale Egbedun, the Honourable Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, graced the event with his presence.
In his speech, Honorable Egbedun commended Peculiar Ultimate Concerns LTD, the sponsor of the tournament, for their significant contribution. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering a well-rounded education for students.
“It is through initiatives like this that we can develop schools,” stated the Speaker. “Sports promote health, teamwork, discipline, and social skills. They unite people regardless of background.”
Egbedun reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting school sports by providing resources for equipment, training, and infrastructure development. He highlighted the Governor’s Cup as a platform for students to showcase their talents and build camaraderie.
Following a nail-biting scoreless draw in regulation time, Lanre Leke Sports Academy emerged victorious after defeating Ataoja School of Science 5-4 on penalties.
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Speaker Egbedun expressed optimism that the tournament will pave the way for future partnerships between the private sector and the government to develop sports within the state.
“I am confident that together we can create a world-class sports infrastructure that will benefit generations to come,” he declared.
The Honorable Speaker concluded by thanking Mr. Peculiar for their sponsorship and expressed his hope for this to be the first of many similar initiatives. He looks forward to witnessing the positive impact on the youth and thanked everyone for their attention.
Read His Full Text Below:
It is with great honor that I address you today as the Speaker of the Osun state house of assembly at the final of the Governor’s Cup soccer tournament. I will like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the sponsor of this event, Peculiar Ultimate Concerns LTD, for their generous contribution towards this tournament. It is through initiatives like this that we can help to develop schools, which is an important part of our administration, to provide a well rounded education for our children.
As a government, we recognize the value of sports and its ability to promote health, teamwork, discipline and social skills. Sports also have the power to unite people from all works of life, regardless of social economic status, age, gender or background. The current administration in the state is committed to providing resources such as equipment, training and infrastructure development that will truly develop sports in our schools.
We must create real change by investing in the people who will be the future of sports in our dear state. I’m optimistic that the tournament will serve as a platform for students to showcase their talents and to build camaraderie with their peers.
I will like to congratulate all the participants who have made it to the final, I wish them the best of luck in the tournament. It is my believe that this tournament will no doubt be a springboard for future partnership between the private sector and the government, in order to develop sports in our schools and communities. I am confident that together we can create a world class sports infrastructure that will benefit the generations to come.
Once again, I will like to thank Mr. Peculiar for the for their sponsorship and commitment to this course, and I am hopeful that this tournament will be the first of many such initiatives and I look forward to see the positive impact it will have on our children, thank you all for your attention and may the best team win.
