OYO FA,PILLAR OF SPORTS FOUNDATION TO  CONVENE STRATEGIC MEETING TO REPOSITION FOOTBALL IN OYO STATE

NaijablaseTv ( Ettah Emmanuel O.)

The Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, in collaboration with the Oyo State Football Association (OYSFA), is set to bring together key football stakeholders across the state for a strategic stakeholders' meeting aimed at discussing the development, restructuring and future direction of football in Oyo State.

The high-level meeting, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 12:00 noon, will take place at Café One, Iwo Road, Ibadan, near Sterling Bank, Iwo Road Branch, Abayomi, Ibadan. The initiative is part of the growing efforts of the Foundation and OYSFA to create a stronger, more coordinated and sustainable football structure across the state.

The meeting is being convened under the leadership of the Founder and Chairman of the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, Mr. Temitope Ademola Obideyi, in collaboration with the Oyo State Football Association, under HRM Oba James Oluyemi Odeniran, the Alakinyele of Akinyele.

The organisers believe that the sustainable growth of football in Oyo State requires the collective input of those directly involved in the game. The meeting will therefore provide an open platform for stakeholders to examine the current state of football in the state, identify existing challenges and deliberate on practical solutions that can strengthen the football ecosystem from the grassroots to the professional level.

Among those expected at the meeting is the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo State, Hon. Wasilat Adefemi Adegoke, alongside members of the Oyo State Football Association Executive Committee.

Other invited stakeholders include Professor Dele Ladipo, Chairman of the Oyo State Football Referees' Society; Coach Ayodeji Adeyemo, Chairman of the Oyo State Football Coaches Association; and Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

The meeting will also feature the presence of respected football personalities and former internationals, including Dr. Felix Owolabi, MON; Mutiu Adepoju, MON; and Dimeji Lawal, MON, whose experience and contributions to Nigerian football are expected to add significant value to the discussions.

Also invited are Mr. Oyebowale Tayo of Crown FC; Dr. Salami; Mr. Babatunde Odubola, Representative of the Nationwide League One; and Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan, former Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club and retired professional football referee.

The media and sports communication sector will be represented by Mr. Ayomiku Ajibola, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State, while invitation is also extended to YOSBA through Mr. Afolabi Afeez Ademola (Abena Sports). Other invited stakeholders include Prince Soji Ologbenla; Mr. Femi Okenla; Hon. Wahab Waliu Adeyunji (WABKEM); Mr. Saliu Tajudeen Kolawole, Chairman of Oyeolohun FC; and Mr. Alhassan Olawumi, Chairman of GRAFTADEAN. Women's football sector will be represented by a delegate from Pacesetter Queens FC.

The diversity of stakeholders invited reflects the broad scope of the proposed discussions, with attention expected to be given to grassroots football, coaching, refereeing, club administration, professional football, women's football, youth development, sports journalism and the overall structure of the game in Oyo State.

The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to move beyond identifying challenges and focus on practical, collaborative and sustainable solutions capable of restoring Oyo State's position as one of Nigeria's leading football centres.

With the wealth of experience expected around the table, the September 19 meeting promises to be a significant conversation about the future of football in Oyo State and, more importantly, a platform for turning collective ideas into meaningful action.

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