By Segun Giwa
The Ondo State chapter of Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), says its investment in community sporting programmes is aimed at strengthening youth engagement and deepening public understanding of Federal Government’s policies.
The Director-General of GMT in the state, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said this during the zonal finals of the President Bola Tinubu Sports Festival on Monday in Okitipupa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition started on Nov. 6 and had moved from Owo to Ikare and Okitipupa concluded with attentions now shifting to Ondo town.
Yusuf-Ogunleye said the group’s mandate includes; educating residents on the achievements of Tinubu within his first two years in office, as well as addressing misinformation about government reforms.
“Our duty is to enlighten the people about what Mr President has done, what he intends to do and the obstacles before him,” he said.
He added that GMT used a grassroots approach to ensure messages are delivered “in simple terms and local dialects’’ for better public understanding.
Yusuf-Ogunleye said that the organisation had initially launched free medical outreach programmes before extending its mobilisation efforts to sports, describing sports as a reliable tool for promoting unity and keeping young people productively engaged.
“Sport unites people. Even in difficult moments, it brings peace and harmony. Through this festival, we are reviving interest in sports, discovering talents and keeping youths meaningfully engaged,” he said.
Yusuf-Ogunleye commended the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for financing the tournament, saying the support aligned with President Tinubu’s commitment to youth development.
He said GMT would continue to encourage athletes discovered during the competition by providing exposure, mentorship and access to scouts.
“Sports is now a business, not just entertainment. We want our youths to benefit from it,” he said.
He noted that, with positive community feedback and sustained sponsorship, the festival was projected to become an annual event.
Yusuf-Ogunleye, a two-time Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ondo State, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to using social and developmental programmes to mobilise support for the Tinubu’s administration.
NAN reports that in the football match final of the zone, KFC of Okitipupa defeated Gbenvico FC of Ilaje 2-1 to qualify for the zonal finals in Akure.
Other sporting activities for the programme include; Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Tennis, Table Tennis, Ayo Olopon, Handball, Boxing and Wrestling. (NAN)
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
