It was a moment of celebration and excitement for the entire youths of Owo kingdom and indeed the entire sport lovers across Owo/Ose Federal Constituency on Sunday, 26th, November, 2023 as Hon. Gbenga Eleduma Abiodun Unity Cup came to an end with the final match played by Real Ifon FC and Emalex FC .
The competition that was hosted by Hon.(Ch.) Gbenga Eleduma, a young, enterprising and dynamic character attracted the presence of some revered Royal Fathers in Owo kingdom like HRM, Oba Oluwafemi Joel Adeluwoye-The Asuada of Isuada Land, HRM , Oba Ebenezer Adewumi Ogunmolasuyi III -The Olupenmen Upenmen and HRM , Oba Alaba Omotunde Ebiyanmi Adako Ireshi II- The Oliyere of Iyere.A few distinguished personalities also graced the occasion like Mr Asubiojo and the members of Eleduma Support Group among others who were on ground to watch the final match played at the Owo Township Stadium ,Oke-Ogun.
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| Presentation of Trophy |
Real Ifon Football Academy Club, after a very fair battle ,stole the show as they defeated Emalex FC ,Owo to emerge winner and won the trophy - the Golden Cup that attracted a cash price of five hundred thousand naira (#500k) and a brand new set of football jerseys.malex FC that was narrowly defeated in the tournament also went home with a cash price of two hundred thousand naira (#200k) with a set of jersey.
All Stars FC walloped Otapete FC when they locked horns in the third place match to claim the third position and received a cash prize of one hundred thousand naira (#100k)I.
In the competition twenty (20) football teams from all communities in Owo and Ose LGAs registered to participate. After the preliminary stages which recorded open display of talents by young and energetic players, twelve (12) teams were eliminated; and eight ( 8) teams graciously qualified for the Quarter Final stage.
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| Eleduma, Oliyere and Olupenmen |
The eignt (8) lucky teams subsequently battled fiercely for a place in the Semi-Final stage with a very entertaining display of football skills and discipline until four teams were further eliminated. Four teams eventually qualified for the Semi-final stage, and the four teams remained Emalex FC, Real Ifon FC, All Stars FC and Otapete FC
The semi-final matches were played previously and Emalex FC and Real Ifon FC emerged Finalists in their matches. However, the high point of the celebration was the presentation of prizes won and certificates of participation to the various teams and players that distinguished themselves during the tournament.
In his concerted efforts of adding value to the lives of people in his community most especially the youths, Hon. Gbenga Eleduma, the MD/ CEO of Gatplus Nig. Ltd Abuja ,a private firm in his magnanimity ,being an advocate of sports development, decided to engage the youths in sporting activities as a way of discovering hidden talents and latent potentials among them thereby diverting their interest from social crimes and all forms of social vices like cultism, hooliganism and thuggery among others. Before the commencement of the final tournament, Eleduma use the occasion to appeal to both private donor and government as well as well-meaning individuals in the society to also support sports development in the kingdom with their resources . He didn't forget to admonish the youths to always remain focus by toeing the path of honour to greatness.
Olupenmen,Oliyere and Mr Asubiojo who is the Chairman of Owo Local Government Football Association that spoke during the occasion also took their time individually to commend the organizer for a job well done describing his philanthropic gesture as a rare one that should be emulated . They also appealed to the entire youths to live a decent and purposeful life of success , greatness and discipline so as to reciprocate the kind gesture of the organizer and also help him in actualizing his lofty dreams and aspirations.
Recently during Igogo Festival, Eleduma singlehandedly sponsored the uncommon Ujagbama wrestling Bout Competition among the youths with consolation prizes that further adds values to the festival beyond the shore of Owo. This uncommon gesture was particularly lauded by HIM, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, The Olowo of Owo.
