A scholar at the University of Lagos, Prof Femi Olayemi, has described sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, gainful engagement in productive activities, unity and inspiration.

Speaking at the maiden edition of Loburo Area Community Development Committee Youths Sports Festival held at Mowe, in Ogun State, Olayemi said such event not only provides a platform to develop their talent, but also to foster meaningful engagement.

Olayemi, who is the chairman of the CDC, appreciated every resident for their “invaluable support, contributions, and cooperation towards the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the Loburo Youth Sports Festival.

The occasion featured sporting events like Football, Table Tennis, Egg Race, 4 by 4 Relay Race, 100m Men, 50m Women, 100 Junior Boys, March Pass, Ayo Olopan, with over 300 community members in attendance.

A total of 12 Community Development Associations (CDAs) presented football teams where Integrity CDA won the gold medal, followed by Unification CDA that clinched the silver medal while Loburo CDA got bronze.

Participants cut across youths, men, women and teenagers of various age grades. The members across the CDAs participated in various activities and medals were presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all the activities respectively.

He said: “Though the journey was challenging, the organizing committee, led by our amiable Youth Leader, Engr. Andrew Igberaese, performed exceptionally well. I commend all committee members, CDA Chairmen, youths, athletes, volunteers, and stakeholders from our various CDAs whose efforts contributed to the success of the event.”

Olayemi said the Loburo Youth Sports Festival has come to stay as an annual event that will continue to unite, inspire, and empower our youths. With your continued support and cooperation, subsequent editions will be even more successful.

He said: “As Chairman of Loburo Area CDC, I take full responsibility for any inconveniences, shortcomings, or lapses experienced during this maiden edition. As a servant leader, I remain committed to learning from the experience and ensuring continuous improvement in future editions.

“While appreciating those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the festival, I must also express my disappointment with a few individuals who chose not to cooperate with the collective efforts of the community. Nevertheless, this achievement remains a victory for all of us, and we must continue to place community interest above personal considerations.”

The youths were happy as they turned out in large numbers and were very engaged in various activities. Some played football and still took part in athletic games. This is the first time in the association’s 10 years of existence to organize such an event as it’s an eye opener for them to use as a rallying point for our unity and peaceful co-existence as a community.

The occasion attracted the attendance of 300 community residents and leaders across all the CDC Like PA Lateef Olaleye, Pa. Isaiah (Baba Nitel) Pa Alabi, an octogenarian, Pa Femi Gbadebo, others are Mr Lanre Rufai, Mama Olatunji Shakirat, Chief (Mrs.) Aina Veronica equally came to grace the occasion in the spirit of a headmaster was once a school boy.

One of the community leaders, Chief (Mrs) Olatunji Shakirat said the maiden outing left an unimaginably pleasant experience for the majority who promised to support subsequent editions and encouraged us to make it an annual event.

At the end of the events, Integrity CDA emerged the overall best CDA; followed by Loburo CDA with five medals, also Freeman Foremost came third position overall. Heritage CDA came first in March past and won a cup as well.

Members across CDAs participated in various activities and medals were presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all the activities respectively with cash prizes and trophies.