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The Soun Township Stadium was filled to capacity on Sunday as the Babalaje of Ogbomosoland and Chairman of the Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency, Hon. Muftau Open Salawu, marked his birthday with the final of the annual Babalaje Football Competition and a cash giveaway for 100 indigenes.
About 100 residents from Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Ogooluwa, and Surulere local government areas benefited from a raffle draw sponsored by Open Salawu, with each winner receiving ₦5,000. The gesture formed part of the birthday activities.
The competition, which kicked off on April 5, featured 32 teams from across the five LGAs. Galaxy FC of Ogbomoso South emerged champions after defeating Apex FA of Ogbomoso North 3-0 in the final. Star of Zayom from Oriire took third place, while Shining Star of Surulere finished fourth.
Galaxy FC received ₦100,000 and a full set of jerseys, Apex FA got ₦80,000 and jerseys, Star of Zayom received ₦70,000, and Shining Star went home with ₦50,000 and jerseys.
Speaking at the event, Salawu reaffirmed his commitment to discovering and developing football talent in Ogbomosoland.
He said sports promote unity, mental health, and fitness, and pledged to support young talents discovered during the tournament to advance their careers.
“Over the years, I have invested in improving lives and livelihoods through empowerment, scholarships, and community projects. Talented individuals should be valued and given opportunities in their field,” he said.
Open Salawu commended the tournament organizer, Alhaji Bashiru Abdulazeez, for making the competition engaging, and promised that next year’s edition would be bigger.
He equally commended the large turnout of supporters, describing their presence as a sign of unity in the zone.
However, while speaking with MOUTHPIECE NGR, the tournament organizer, Alhaji Abdulazeez praised Open Salawu’s humanitarian interventions, noting that his empowerment programs for youths, women, widows, orphans, and the vulnerable have promoted peace and unity in Ogbomosoland.
He added that Engr. Muftau Open Salawu’s humility and accessibility have endeared him to the people.
Dignitaries at the final included Chief Saka Balogun, Hon. Ezekiel Oyedepo, Hon. Banji Folaranmi, Hon. George Ogunlade, Commissioner for Budget Hon. Seun Ashamu, OYSIPA DG Hon. Tilewa Folami, Engr. Rabiu Adeyemi Bello, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin represented by Hon. Seun, councilors and supervisors from Ogbomoso North, and a host of others.
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