Joga-Orile, a rural community in Yewaland, Ogun State, came alive with sporting activities as the second WAMUFAT/Nigeria School Sport Federation annual sports fiesta concluded at the Agroterra Sport Complex after five days of competition and youth-focused programmes.
The event brought together more than 300 young participants from six states in Nigeria’s South-West, with children and teenagers between the ages of six and 16 taking part.
The young athletes competed in football, athletics, chess, netball, golf, lawn tennis and ayo, while also benefiting from coaching, mentorship, leadership sessions and educational programmes aimed at supporting their development beyond the playing field.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation, Mrs Olabisi Joseph, said the federation would continue to work with organisations and individuals committed to discovering and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots.
Joseph called for stronger involvement from government agencies and private investors, noting that initiatives which combine education with sports can create lasting opportunities for young athletes.
Founder of WAMUFAT, Mrs Fatimo Muhammed, said the organisation intends to make the camp a permanent event on the region’s sporting calendar. She also appealed to Nigerians, particularly former athletes living abroad, to contribute to the growth of grassroots sports across the country.
Chairman of Agroterra Resort, Abdulrasheed Afonja, expressed his support for the initiative, saying the facility would continue to welcome the programme as long as its focus remains on developing and empowering young people.
The fiesta was attended by notable personalities, including the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adeola Matemilola, and Dr Lukmon Kiadese, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Education.
The five-day event ended with a Community Race Day and awards presentation, where participants who distinguished themselves received certificates and cash rewards.
The conclusion of the second edition further highlights the role of grassroots sports programmes in identifying young talent, providing early development opportunities and using sport as a tool for education and community growth.
