The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), Osun State Chapter has elected new Executive members that will pilot affairs of the association for the next three years.

Members of the new executives include Timothy Agbor, of the Point Newspaper as Chairman, Seun Omolola of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) as Vice Chairman, Tajudeen Amodu, Media Officer of Osun United is the General Secretary and Seyi Akanni of CodeSports is the Treasurer.

Other officers include Adedibu Babatunde of Crown FM as Financial Secretary and Segun Fadoro of OSBC Conglomerate as the Assistant Secretary.

Meanwhile, all Executive members were elected unopposed.

Inaugurating the executives at the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Osogbo on Wednesday, Vice President of SWAN, Southwest Zone, Mr Seun Ajayi-Obe on behalf of the National President, Honour Sirawoo congratulated them and urged them to take the association to greater heights in Osun.

“I congratulate you for the efforts made to constitute new excos within the stipulated time by the national body. The time has come for you to take the bull by the horn and promote sports in Osun. We believe in your ability and expect Osun SWAN to hit the ground running from today.”

Ajay-Obe tasked them to carry members along in their activities and ensure that more members register with the association.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Osun NUJ, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu described the new team as “comptetent hands” that will elevate the status and image of the association.

“I am sure that we have brought in experienced and capable hands that will paddle the canoe of Osun SWAN to a greater height. I advise you to work together harmoniously and in unity so that you can be able to achieve your aims.”

The State Government, through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Mr Ismail Omipidan, congratulated the Executives and assured that the government would do everything possible to support the association.

Omipidan said the Government was passionate about Sports development in the state and there is a need for collaboration between SWAN and the state government.

The former Southwest SWAN VP, Muideen Adeleke and former Chairman of the Association, Yemi Aboderin also charged the new executives to galvanise sports development and promotion that will cut across every nook and cranny of the state..

The new chairman, Timothy Agbor in his remarks thanked leaders and members of SWAN for their support and promised that his team would serve the association efficiently and develop sports sector in the state.

“We count on you all for your support because we cannot do it alone. We are ready to work together with all stakeholders in the sports community to make sure that we use our platforms to promote sports from the grassroots in Osun”, assured Agbor.

Tajudeen Amodu
General Secretary
Osun SWAN

Aftermath of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Nationwide League One season in which Lee-Bombers debuted in a brilliant fashion, the managements on behalf of the technical crew and players have acknowledged the contribution of football stakeholders in the state and beyond to the club.

Barely two months after its formation, Lee-Bombers as they are fondly called took the bull by the horn in fulfilling all righteousness by satisfying NLO requirements which include but not limited to; affiliation with state FA, registration with Corporate Affairs Commission, payment of necessary fees to NLO secretariat.

In its bid to ensure optimum efficiency, the club hit the ground running with formidable recruitments in all its departments.

The procurement of player’s van saved the club from unnecessary match day drama and ensured timely arrival at match venues.

In its debut season, the club performed above expectations having won 2 games, drew 2 and lost its only game against the centre leader, Seat Of God who made it to promotion playoff before eventually losing to Ottasolo FC.

The proficient club General Manager Coach Abdul Rasheed Adeleke while briefing media this morning hailed impacts of football stakeholders for Club’s achievements thus far;

“We are glad for everything we have been able garner under two months of club’s birth.

“Our outing in the league this season isn’t bad because we paraded fresh legs who just played the league for the first time. We are happy for the exposures as we are assuring our people to build on what is on ground.

“We are on a temporary break since returning from llorin, the break is needed for boys to recover from injuries and knocks following a successive games played under intense atmosphere.

“We shall therefore resume for football activities tomorrow Wednesday 24th March 2021. We are greatful to the CEO Muhydeen Odeyemi for providing platforms and necessary supports. We equally extend our appreciation to state FA, sports writers and supporters for believing in what we are doing,” he concluded.

As the state Challenge Cup tagged ‘Ooni FA Cup’ is set to take a center stage, the club would participate and hope to vie for the sole trophy.

Recall that in the summary jurisdictions delivered by Nigeria National League secretariat, Osun FA were summoned on Tuesday 16th of March 2021 in which panel of inquiry queried the misdemeanor of about three fans captured in the video footage after the said game.

The state FA contingent who hit Abuja for fact finding and defensive mission however ordered to fish out the unscrupulous elements attracted to the match venue following a sponsored jingle on some networks.

In complying with the NNL directives, the state FA secretary Amoo Abayomi today conveyed in a letter, the decision of the state FA Disciplinary Committee back to the secretariat in Abuja.

“Due to the time given to produce the football supporters and fans for misconduct in accordance with article 16.1 to 16.5 of the rules guiding the league and also to obey Nigeria National League circular 119 dated 22nd February, 2021.

“Osun FA Disciplinary Committee thanked and appreciated the Management and Staff of Nigeria National League in rescinding its earlier decision to cancel the result of the match between Osun Utd and Vandrezzer FC which ended 2-1 in favor of the home team, after studying the match reports submitted by Match Officials.

” The under listed identified football supporters and fans are hereby suspended with immediate effect for three years from all football related activities in the state of Osun.

“The involved fans are: Aderemi Akeem (Itu), Oparinde Suraju, Oni Moses (Baba Titi Onisu),” the statement concluded.

The state FA chairman Chief Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM has however promised the swift return Of Osun Utd back to Osogbo Township Stadium after complying with NNL directives. He noted that any actions capable of bringing the game to disrepute won’t be tolerated any longer.

Ambitious Nationwide League One (NLO) (division One) side Hammola International FC of Ido Osun on Friday unveiled former Osun Babes Head Coach, Abdulazeez Abdulrazaq as the club’s new technical adviser.

In his address during the well organised unveiling ceremony, the President of the club, Muideen Odeyemi, popularly knows as ‘Odhelee’ said the club was found mainly to encourage home grown talent and give them a chance to excel to the world.

“We are optimistic that this initiative will give opportunities to many young players around our environment, playing in the NLO division One will ensure the players get the chance to showcase themselves.

“We aim to progress through to the Nigeria National League next season and that is alot of work to do.

“The new manager is experienced and one who have managed some notable clubs in the past. He was with Osun Babes, Knight FC and is also the assistant manager of the South-west U-13 and U-15 team. We are hopeful and know he is going to do a great job with us. He concluded.

Also speaking, Team Manager of club and Chairman Grassroot Football Coaches Association of Nigeria (Osun), Rasheed Adeleke in his words reiterated on the words of ‘Odhelee’ , highlighting the aim behind Hammola International FC.

“Our vision is to transform local talents into greatness, as a club, we have about 85% of local talents in the team, and also we are well instituted and want to do things the right way, because that is what we believe in. The team is disciplined and we aim to achieve our set out goals.” He concluded.

In their speeches, Former Chairman of Egbedore Local Government, Hon. Kola Ajao, Renowned Sports Philanthropist Muideen Elebuibon, Sports Adminstrator Suleiman Folarin, Osun State F.A Secretary, Amoo Abayomi, Grassroots Football Coach, Akin Oyedunmola and Top Sports Journalists, Tunde Shamsudeen all expressed confidence that the new manager would take the club to the expected height.

Speaking after his unveiling, Coach Abdulazeez Abdulrazaq said he joined Hammola FC International to achieve success, adding that he was happy to be part of the Ido-Osun based club, setting an NNL target for himself.

Osun Football Association congress members have heaped praises on the chairman of the state football association Otunba Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM., for timely donations of cash gifts in order to cushion the effects of the ravaging pandemic.

At a mini-gathering scheduled with full awareness and adherence to health protocols, Ajiroba Ooni the FA supremo remarked that, the gestures became imperative owing to the pandemic which taking toll on our strata.

The chairman whose investments in the round leather game is so massive and huge exhorted zonal and local football council representatives to keep rejuvenating grassroots programs in their domain knowing fully well that future of football is in grassroots.

The British trained lawyer also intimated members about the importance of club affiliations and reasons football club owners in the state should waste no time in affiliating their teams. He noted that the two state teams are yet to complete their affiliation process.

RIM as he’s fondly called afterwards presented cash gifts to the Local Football Councils in the state.

According to Mr Kazeem Babatunde (Ex-Int’l) who is the chairman of Osogbo Local Government Football Council, “I must commend the gesture displayed by Osun FA under Otunba Rasaq Ishola Mustapha.

“Ajiroba has set the pace with this gesture and it is much appreciated by us. It’s a good development being part of what we have been yearning for, once again, the effort is well commendable.” Areago who was part of Trinidad and Tobago U17 squad in 2001 submitted.

Mr. Bankefa Olufemi who was part of Ijesha Football Council executives admitted that, the gesture is unprecedented considering what’s happening in other states, he then prayed for God’s wisdom for Ajiroba and his renaissance squad going forward.

The website which is a promise fulfilled when fully activated, would be a channel in which important media contents as related to football activities will be provided.

With an attractive design and inherent usability, there is a strong focus on constant useful updates, components, data managements, news and lofty engagements.

According to FA supremo, who has heavily invested in football, the link is an avenue for global community to access series of activities coming out of the state.

” Our catchy official website domain www.osunfa.org, would be a channel for the public to get relevant and useful informations including news releases, competition schedules, football components, local match updates and related news from the State FA.

” I have been working round the clock and set the agenda on how to digitalize grassroots activities and packaged useful contents aimed at drawing the attentions of both investors and followers.” Ajiroba Ooni who single handedly floated Ajiroba Ooni FC for more than two decades informed.

The link www.osunfa.org is designed for mobile and PC use and will be undergoing constant improvements from time to time, even feedback would be considered, because of the portal’s stability.

In a meeting held recently the Board of football council approved that the 2nd season of the cadet championship be hosted in honour the former Secretary General of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Recall Ogunjobi, a former Nigeria international and IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan legend died on February 10, 2019.

His death, at the age of 65, came 35 years to the day after he made his debut for Nigeria against Morocco in an Olympic qualifier, which in 1984 was not restricted to under-23 sides.

According to Rawlings Oyebayo, Chairman Ijesha Football Council said: “The essence of the age grade tournament which is sponsored by Siji lagunju, Deputy Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is to boost the discovery of exceptional talents at the grassroots and catching them young in a bid to provide a well defined future for them.”

Oyebayo also outlined the modalities for this year’s championship did inform that: “Interested grassroot teams are expected to pay a none refundable fee of Ten Thousand Naira Only (#10,000) as the sale of registration forms began on Monday, 17th of January.

“With a view to curbing age-cheats, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has fixed January 31st for player’s screening and will would not hesitate to sanction any team found to have presented over-aged players.”

The Ijesha Football Council egg-head used the media to appreciate Lagunju who has been the sole sponsor of Ogunjobi U-17 championship and also Tunde Shamsudeen, the Media Officer (2) of the nation’s third-tier league, NationWide League One (NLO) for the media mileage provided the tournament.

“We also want to carry everyone and other well meaning personalities along as a formal invitation has been extended to the late Ogunjobi family as regards the programme and also to the late Ogunjobi Foundation through Shamsudeen.”

Dauda Mutiu was the hero as Adeleke Dynasty emerge the winner of the first Otunba Isiaka Adeleke Memorial Cup, Ede Osun State.

The match which was played at the Federal Polytechnic Ede Football Pitch had the former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as Chairman of the occasion, State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Yemi Lawal, Mrs Dupe Adeleke-Sanni (Mother of the day), Prince Dotun Babayemi, Elder Leere Akogun Oyewunmi and Royal Fathers, Timi of Ede, Oba Minirudeen Lawal, Alara of Ara, Oba Olubayo Adesola Windapo and many other dignitaries in attendance.

The match was heading for a draw before Tanjo Surprise FC defender upheld Buhari Afeez of Adeleke Dynasty in the 18 yard box. Dauda Mutiu then converted the resulting penalty which made Adeleke Dynasty the maiden champions.

In the third place match played earlier, Eyiowuawi FC Ede defeated Ido-Osun Warriors 6-1 in a one-sided encounter.

Medals and trophy was presented to the Winners ( Adeleke Dynasty Ede), same was done for the second placed team, Tanjo Surprise FC Ejigbo.

Medals and trophy was also given to third place team, Eyiowuawi FC Ede.

For the individual awards,

Azeez Ajagbe of Adeleke Dynasty FC was the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, why Ayoola Azeez and Olanrewaju Habeeb both from Eyiowuawi FC scored 6 goals each to become the highest goal scorer of the tournament.

While Mojeed Lawal of Tanjo Surprise FC was awarded the best defender of the tournament, Akande Wale of Adeleke Dynasty swoop the best goal-keeper award, and the youngest player of the tournament was Saheed Kehinde of Adeleke Dynasty.

Full list of winners.

Adeleke Dynasty Ede (Winners)

Tanjo Surprise FC Ejigbo (1st runner-up)

Eyiowuawi FC Ede (2nd runner-up)

MVP – Azeez Ajagbe (Adeleke Dynasty Ede)

Highest Goal Scorer(s) – Ayoola Azeez and Olanrewaju Habeeb (Eyiowuawi FC Ede)

Best Defender – Mojeeb Lawal (Tanjo Surprise FC Ejigbo)

Best Goal-keeper – Akande Wale (Adeleke Dynasty Ede)

Youngest Player – Saheed Kehinde (Adeleke Dynasty)

The Memorial Championship is dedicated in honour of the first Civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke and solely sponsored by Rep. Bamidele Salam who represents the good people of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the National Assembly.

All is now set for the finals of the Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup 2021 which will come up tomorrow, Friday 15th January, 2021 at the Sports Complex of the Federal Polytechnic Ede.

The third place match between Ido Osun Warriors FC and Babatunde Eyiowiawi FC Ede will come up first by 1pm local time.

While the final match will be played between Adeleke Dynasty Ede and Tanjo Surprise FC Ejigbo by 3pm.

The event will have a lot of dignitaries in attendance as former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola will chair the event, the state commissioner for Sports, Hon. Yemi Lawal will be the special guest, while Mrs Dupe Adeleke-Sanni will be the mother of the day.

The Royal fathers of the day are the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, the Olojudo Alaiyemore of Ido-Osun , Oba Adeen Adedapo Aderemi , Alara of Ara, Oba Olubayo Adesola Windapo and the Ogiyan of Ejigbo ,Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin

The final will be transmitted live on Rave FM 91.7 Osogbo between 3:30pm to 5pm.

The Memorial Championship is dedicated in honour of the first civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke and solely sponsored by Rep. Bamidele Salam who represents the good people of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the National Assembly.

A 37-year-old headmistress, Christiana Ayeni, has landed in trouble while enforcing discipline by reportedly checking the private parts of four female students inside the school over virginity.

Reports from P.M.EXPRESS has it that the headmistress was arrested, arraigned in Court and was remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre for unlawfully and indecently assaulting the students.

The incident happened at San Francesco Catholic College, Ejigbo, Osun State, where the victims were as boarding school students.

The Police alleged that the headmistress, Mrs. Ayeni, unlawfully and indecently assaulted a set of students namely, Mariam Ismael (18), Martha Alfa (15), Adefehintoluwa Ademuleyo (15) and Raphael Olamide (14), by touching their private parts within the hostel vicinity at the college. 

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Elisha Olusegun, said the alleged offence contravened Section 360 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002, she however pleaded not guilty.