09/08/2026
PILLAR OF SPORTS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LAUNCHED IN IBADAN, OVER 150 COACHES RECEIVE CERTIFICATES
The Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation has been officially launched in Ibadan, with prominent personalities from the sports, traditional, academic and cultural sectors commending the initiative as a timely intervention for the development of sports and young talents in Oyo State.
The foundation was launched on Saturday at Moremi Hall, Academy Suites, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, alongside a one-day sports development seminar attended by over 150 football coaches and stakeholders.
Nigeria football legend, Dr. Felix Owolabi, formally launched the foundation alongside the Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami; former Shooting Stars Chairman, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro; and Professor Salami, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State , Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi (also known as Bibire).
The Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, Mr. Temitope Ademola Obideyi, who is currently based in the United States, addressed guests and participants through a live video connection, reaffirming his commitment to using sports as a tool for youth development, empowerment and community transformation in Oyo State.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; the Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Adegboyega Sanni; Oyo State Football Association Vice Chairman, Comrade Isaac Olawale Ayangbile; Alhaji Azeez; Coach Michael Oladeni; and other notable sports stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole commended Obideyi for establishing the foundation, describing the initiative as one capable of creating new opportunities for young people and strengthening the sports development structure in Oyo State.
“This is a timely and commendable initiative. Sports remains one of the strongest platforms through which we can discover, develop and empower our young people. What Obideyi has started deserves the support of every well-meaning son and daughter of Oyo State.”
The Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Adegboyega Sanni, also praised the vision behind the foundation, noting that youth development must remain a priority if the state is to build a sustainable future.
“The future belongs to the young people, and we must give them the right environment, guidance and opportunities to succeed. A foundation that brings together sports, education and youth empowerment is not only relevant but necessary at this time.”
Shooting Stars Chairman, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami, expressed his delight at the partnership between the club and the foundation, particularly the foundations’ plan to honour and celebrate legends who have contributed immensely to the history of the Oluyole Warriors.
“We are happy to partner with the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation. Our legends laid the foundation for what Shooting Stars represents today, and recognising and celebrating them is important. We believe this partnership will further strengthen the connection between the club, its legends and the next generation.”
The one-day seminar featured five sessions focused on various aspects of football and sports development, with participants given opportunities to ask questions and engage speakers on practical issues affecting the industry.
At the end of the seminar, certificates were presented to more than 150 football coaches who participated in the programme.
Obideyi, in his message to the gathering, thanked all the dignitaries, coaches, sports stakeholders and participants for honouring the invitation, while reiterating his determination to contribute meaningfully to the growth of sports and youth development in Oyo State.
He stressed that the foundation would remain committed to creating platforms that expose young people and sports professionals to knowledge, opportunities, mentorship and the resources required to build successful careers.
The launch marks the beginning of the foundation’s activities aimed at building champions, transforming lives and inspiring generations through sports, education and youth empowerment.
