A Canada-based teenage footballer of Iṣẹ Ekiti origin, Master Afọlábí Àjàyí, has donated football kits to the Ekiti United Under-15 team as part of his commitment to grassroots sports development in the state.
Àjàyí, who is currently visiting Nigeria, trained with the U-15 squad of Ekiti United in Ado-Ekiti during his stay. Speaking after the training session, the youngster expressed delight at the level of investment by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in sports infrastructure and talent discovery.
He lauded the government’s renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium and the provision of modern sporting facilities across the state, describing them as a “huge encouragement” for budding athletes.
The Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, commended Master Àjàyí for giving back to his home state despite being based abroad.
She stressed that the gesture aligns perfectly with Governor Oyebanji’s vision of using grassroots sports as a springboard for youth empowerment, job creation, and international recognition.
Àjàyí’s father, Mr. Afọlábí Àjàyí Snr., who accompanied him on the visit, explained that his son’s passion for football inspired his decision to join the U-15 training sessions in Ekiti.
According to him, the exposure would not only deepen his son’s love for the game but also keep him connected to his roots.
In his remarks, a former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, who is also the father’s elder brother, Hon. Ayodeji Àjàyí, applauded the governor for his “giant strides in the sports sector.”
He highlighted the total renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium and the ongoing construction of an indoor sports complex in Ado-Ekiti as landmark projects that will reposition Ekiti as a hub for sporting excellence.
He added that contributions like Àjàyí’s will further complement government efforts in discovering and nurturing the next generation of football stars from Ekiti.
