The Ondo State Football Association Chairman, Otunba Dele Ajayi, has hailed the launch of the Club Owners Association in the state as a groundbreaking and timely step for football development.
Ajayi, represented by board member Chief Ibukun Aladetoyinbo, spoke during the inauguration of the association’s state executives, local government coordinators, Board of Trustees, patron, and the unveiling of its official logo.
He emphasized that the Club Owners Association plays a vital role in football growth at all levels, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of developing the sport.
According to him, “Club Owners Association is a very important integral part of football. We recognise them at the local government, state, and national levels. Government cannot do it alone, so we need both private organisations and individuals to join hands with government to develop the round leather game.”
Ajayi commended stakeholders for establishing the body in Ondo State and assured them of the FA’s full cooperation.
State Chairman of the Club Owners Association, Banjo Adepoju, stated that the association was formed to make meaningful contributions to football advancement in the state. He added that a four-year strategic growth plan has already been designed.
He further praised the merit-based selection of local government coordinators, expressing confidence that they would accelerate grassroots football development.
Board of Trustees includes;FIFA-licensed agent and Moyero FC proprietor, Lanre Moyero, was inaugurated as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, with Otunba Dele Ologbese as Vice Chairman. Other members include Barrister Olusola Oke, Chief Albert Akintoye, Elvis Ogebe, Prince Odomode Adeyemi (Lacrown), FIFA-licensed agent Prince Yemi Olagbegi, Mrs. Kikelomo Adepona, Michael Karimu, and Banjo Adepoju (Secretary).
Patrons include Otunba Dele Ajayi, Dr. Olumuyiwa Adu, and Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Divine Ogbonaya.
State Executive Officers are; Chairman: Adepoju Banjo (CEO, Benfad FC, Akure), Vice Chairman 1: Alhaji Oladosu Muyideen (President, Opeyemi FC, Odigbo), Vice Chairman 2: Oladipupo Temitayo (Chairman, Emalex FC, Owo), General Secretary: Omoogun Dotun Andrew (Ologbese Football Academy, Akoko Southwest), Assistant Secretary: Blessing Perez (President/Technical Director, Royal Goldwin, Ifedore), Financial Secretary: Akungbe Emmanuel (Apoi National FC, Ese-Odo), Treasurer: Jephthah Akinboboye (FC Unity, Ondo City), PRO: Musa Kehinde (President, Brave Eagles FC, Akure North), Welfare Officer: Gbenga Adeusi (Abex Abex FC, Akoko Northwest), Chief Whip: Mathew Okoh (President, Ebile FC, Akure South),Research/Organising Officer: Sedara Phillip (Embavic Football Academy, Okitipupa)
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olumuyiwa Adu encouraged the executives to create a sustainable structure capable of attracting investors, expressing optimism that the association will gain recognition beyond the state.
BOT Chairman, Lanre Moyero, described the formation of the association as historic, promising support particularly in player scouting and talent discovery.
The unveiling ceremony witnessed the presence of nearly all football club owners in the state, including representatives from Benfad FA, FJ Academy, Royal Godwin, Ijapo Ages Stars, Saint FC, Emalex FC Owo, Optimum Football Academy, Ologbese Football Academy, Weli Weli FC, Lacrown FC, Akure United, SOT FC, Idanre United, and many others.
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