By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa1), has endorsed the establishment of a sports school in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The endorsement was given during a courtesy visit paid to the paramount ruler at his palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Monday.
A press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, noted that the Chairman of Ex-Ibadan Footballers Association (EIPFA), Mr. Temitope Obideyi, who led the visit, presented an Award of Recognition to the Olubadan “for his exemplary and unwavering support for youth and sports development in Ibadan.”
“I am overwhelmed for this Award of Recognition, particularly on my efforts for the youth and sports development,” the monarch disclosed.
Oba Ladoja further assured the EIPFA Chairman that he would, by the grace of God, be at the match between ex-Ibadan professionals and ex-Super Eagles on 31 May this year at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Earlier in his speech, Mr. Obideyi had expressed the association’s gratitude for the warm reception accorded them by the monarch.
According to him, the purported establishment of the sports school in Ibadan was approved by the Oyo State Ministry of Education, principally for the development and empowerment of talented youths.
He said the one-day sports fiesta of 31 May at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, aimed at promoting sports development, reunion among sports heroes, fostering of unity, reconnection of sports stars and creating a platform where opinions could be shared on welfare of sportsmen and women as well as future progress of sporting activities, not only in Ibadan, but also Nigeria.
At the award presentation was former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero.
*PHOTO CAPTION: HRM Olubadan Ladoja.
