Aiyedatiwa international scouting programme to encourage grassroots academies, promote young talents — Ajibade
The organisers of the Aiyedatiwa International Scouting Programme have stated that the purpose of the programme is to encourage, expose, and boost the morale of academy proprietors, while also promoting young talents to the limelight.
The organisers of the Aiyedatiwa International Scouting Programme have stated that the purpose of the programme is to encourage, expose, and boost the morale of academy proprietors, while also promoting young talents to the limelight.
Dapo Ajibade, the CEO of Abaj Multilinks Ltd, a Nigeria-based sports agency with offices in the UK, Thailand, and Portugal, made this known on Sunday while speaking with newsmen in Akure.
Ajibade, who is also the proprietor of Esmoriz Football Club in Portugal, said the programme is being organised to support the effort of the Ondo State Football Agency in its drive to develop football in Ondo State.
He added that he would be bringing top football scouts from Europe and South America to Ondo State with a view to exposing the abundant hidden talents in the state to the rest of the world.
Ajibade, who is also the General Overseer of Tonic FC, a Lagos based league side, said a total of 16 teams would participate, with 12 teams from across Ondo State and four others from Oyo, Ekiti, and Lagos States.
According to him, arrival is scheduled for May 13, while departure is set for May 18. The main events, which will be live-streamed to global football audience, will take place between May 14 and May 17 at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
“This is what we want for our youths in the state. This kind of exposure that will benefit everyone. This programme, which will boost the state’s economy, will also have long-term benefits, as selected players will give back to the society that supported them. I urge coaches to prepare their players for this great opportunity,” he said.
Ajibade also used the opportunity to announce the Local Organising Committee (LOC) as follows; Henry Akingboju, Chairman, the Tournament Director; Segun Giwa, Ondo State SWAN Chairman, Chairman, Club Owners, Banjo Adepoju, Referee Representative, Tolu Akinfemisoye, ODSFA, Bobola Akinfolarin, Sina Afuye — Sports Council, Emmanuel Oduyi-Supporters’ Club Representative and Abiola Oriose, Rep. Ex-Players.
