Pillar Of Sports Youth Dev. Foundation Launches In Ibadan With Training For 150 Football Coaches

The Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation was officially inaugurated in Ibadan on Saturday, with over 150 football coaches trained at a sports development seminar to mark the launch.
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‎The event held at Moremi Hall, Academy Suites, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, attracted dignitaries from the sports, traditional, academic and cultural sectors.
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Nigeria football legend, Dr. Felix Owolabi, formally inaugurated the foundation alongside the Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami; former 3SC Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro; and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor, Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi, popularly known as Bibire.
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The Founder and Chairman of the foundation, Mr. Temitope Ademola Obideyi, who is based in the United States, joined virtually. He said the initiative was established to use sports as a platform for youth development, empowerment and community transformation across Oyo State.
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‎Also in attendance were the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; the Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Adegboyega Sanni; Oyo State Football Association Vice Chairman, Comrade Isaac Olawale Ayangbile; as well as coaches and other sports stakeholders.
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‎Commending the initiative, Chief Ajewole described it as timely and necessary. “Sports remains one of the strongest platforms through which we can discover, develop and empower our young people. What Obideyi has started deserves the support of every well-meaning son and daughter of Oyo State,” he said.
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‎Oba Sanni also endorsed the foundation, stressing the need to invest in the younger generation. “The future belongs to the young people, and we must give them the right environment, guidance and opportunities to succeed. A foundation that brings together sports, education and youth empowerment is not only relevant but necessary at this time,” the monarch said.
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‎On the partnership with Shooting Stars, 3SC Chairman Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami expressed satisfaction, noting that the collaboration would provide an avenue to recognize former players and legends of the Oluyole Warriors. “We believe this partnership will further strengthen the connection between the club, its legends and the next generation,” he said.
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The seminar featured five training sessions for the coaches. Prof. Oladele Oladipo, a FIFA instructor and Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of Ibadan, took participants through the laws of the game. Jesse Afuye, Shooting Stars match analyst, spoke on “Managing Athletes’ Emotional and Mental Well-being,” while Dr. Jinadu Ayodeji delivered a lecture on cardiac rehabilitation. Babateye Akinyele also handled “Life After Football,” focusing on athletes’ transition from active sports to post-playing careers.
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‎At the end of the programme, certificates were presented to the more than 150 coaches who participated.
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‎Speaking virtually, Mr. Obideyi thanked the dignitaries and participants for their support. He said the foundation would remain committed to creating opportunities for young people and sports professionals to access knowledge, mentorship and resources for sustainable careers, while pursuing initiatives that promote sports development, education and youth empowerment across Oyo State.
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‎The launch marks the commencement of the foundation’s programmes aimed at supporting young athletes and coaches, and contributing to the broader growth of sports in the state.
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