Stakeholders and sports enthusiasts, on Tuesday, gathered at the Ilaji Resort Mini Conference Hall, Akanran, Ibadan, Oyo State, for the official unveiling of the JDS Football League 2024 logo.
The gathering was described as a significant step toward promoting youth development and harnessing local talents through sports, with Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, Jagunmolu Olubadan of Ibadanland, playing a pivotal role in the initiative.
The JDS Football League, named after Chief Dotun Sanusi, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the development of Oyo State and the empowerment of its youth.
Over the years, Sanusi has used sports as a vital tool for community engagement, talent discovery and youth empowerment, fostering a sense of unity and belonging across the state.
During the event, Chief Sanusi restated the League’s mission to uplift the lives of young athletes in Oyo State, emphasising how sports can serve as a bridge for talent recognition and personal growth.
Sanusi, a 2027 governorship aspirant, noted that, beyond entertainment, football can inspire hope and create opportunities for young people to build careers both on and off the field.
“This league is not just about football,” said Chief Sanusi. “It is about creating pathways for our youth to achieve greatness. Through sports, we can nurture their talents, instill discipline, and offer them opportunities that will shape their future and contribute to the growth of Oyo State.”
The Oyo State Football Association, in collaboration with various sports stakeholders, praised Chief Sanusi for his vision and continuous efforts to give back to the community.
The state football association and others present at the event also acknowledged his numerous contributions to sports development, not only in Oyo State, but across Nigeria.
The unveiling of the JDS Football League 2024 logo signaled the beginning of a new era for football in Oyo State, with the tournament poised to attract talent from all corners of the state.
“It is expected that the JDS Football League will provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level, opening doors for them to professional opportunities within and outside Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, one of the key stakeholders remarked, “The JDS Football League is more than just a tournament. It is an initiative designed to shape the future of Oyo youths in Oyo State through sports.
“We are proud to be part of this vision, and we believe this league will produce some of the finest talents Nigeria has ever seen.”
The league is also expected to serve as a means to unite communities across the state, fostering a spirit of togetherness and cooperation among the people.
With the backing of the Ilaji Sports and Resort, which has hosted numerous sporting events over the years, the JDS Football League promises to be a landmark initiative for grassroots sports development in Oyo State.
As the JDS Football League 2024 gains momentum, expectations are high for its impact on the local football scene. It offers a chance for many young athletes to be scouted by professional teams while reinforcing the importance of community support and service to humanity.
With the official unveiling of the logo, all eyes now turn to the upcoming tournament as anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting and transformative event in the sporting calendar of Oyo State.
Together, as Chief Sanusi put it, “we remain dedicated to the service of humanity through sports and youth development.”
