Osetoba Urges Fair Play, Youth Participation Ahead of BAO Continuity Cup with ₦3.5M Prize
Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Ekiti State’s Technical Advisor on Sports Development, has emphasized the need for fairness and integrity in the upcoming Ekiti BAO Continuity Football Championship, falling on referees and officials to conduct the tournament without bias as 16 local government teams prepare to compete for a ₦3.5 million cash prize.
Osetoba, who represented Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji during the official draw ceremony at the State Secretariat’s Data Hall, praised the TMoore Initiative for its organization and vision. She also used the opportunity to rally support for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election in 2026, urging youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
“The TMoore for BAO initiative is a youth-driven platform that aligns perfectly with the Governor’s six-point agenda, especially in youth and sports development,” she said. “Let’s chant it loud—TMOORE for BAO, BAO for TMOORE.”
Osetoba, who hails from Emure-Ekiti, highlighted recent strides made under the Oyebanji administration, including the revitalization of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium pitch. She reaffirmed government commitment to grassroots sports development and talent discovery.
Also present was Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, Chairman of the Ekiti State House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, who pledged full legislative support and promised that House members, including the Speaker, will attend the final on August 7.
FA Chairman Chief Oluwole Oloworemo described the Governor’s support for sports as “unprecedented,” noting that the improved stadium facilities would attract national tournaments. He applauded the transparent draw process and pledged continued support from the football community.
The draws, coordinated by State Head Coach Kehinde Anjorin, paired the 16 LGAs into eight groups, with matches to be played as knockouts at seven neutral venues across the state from July 1. Winners from each pairing will advance to the quarterfinals.
Among notable fixtures: Ado takes on Ayekire in Group D, Emure faces Ikole in Group C, while Ikere and Moba clash in Group H. No team is allowed to play on home soil.
Initiator Tolulope Wole-AdewuOsetoba Urges Fair Play, Youth Participation Ahead of BAO Continuity Cup with ₦3.5M Prizemi (TMoore) said the championship reflects the Governor’s investment in youth empowerment through sports, stressing that the vision is to ensure “sustainable support for Oyebanji till 2030.”
Stakeholders including Chief Apalara Adewumi, Referees Council Chair Mr. Onilearo, and SWAN Chairman Qozeem Oladapo pledged professional support to ensure a successful, impactful tournament.
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