Ilaje LG Chairman Pledges Support for Coastal Sports Initiative
The Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Amona Maurice Oripenaye (popularly known as Arah), has reiterated his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development as he received principal executives of the Coastal Dream Sports Development (CDSD) in his office. The meeting marks a strategic step toward boosting sporting activities across Ilaje and other coastal local government areas in Ondo State.
Led by Mr. Olabode Alabi, President of CDSD, the delegation outlined the organization’s vision to discover and nurture young talents across various sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, swimming, and table tennis. Alabi emphasized that the CDSD initiative spans all coastal LGAs in the state and aims to build a mini-sports stadium with a synthetic pitch to enhance sports awareness and participation in these communities.
In addition to the stadium, CDSD plans to implement talent discovery programs that will provide young athletes with opportunities to grow into national and international sports figures. “Early scouting and structured development can position our youths for greater opportunities both locally and globally,” said Alabi, a passionate sports developer.
Other CDSD representatives, including Mr. India Kingsley and Mr. Olatoye Ikuomola, also spoke on the broader vision of the organization, which includes infrastructural development and sports education initiatives that will impact communities in Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele, and Okitipupa LGAs.
Hon. Oripenaye welcomed the initiative, describing it as “pregnant with transformative ideas.” He expressed readiness to partner with CDSD and pledged to involve key interventionist agencies such as OSOPADEC and the NDDC in supporting the initiative. He also noted that the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is committed to a clear-cut blueprint for sports development across the state.
“Sport is a unifying force and a tool for community development. We must embrace and support this noble initiative to unearth and nurture the immense sporting talents within our coastal areas,” the chairman affirmed.
E-signed:
Sadare Taiwo
Media Aide to the Ilaje LG Chairman
April 23, 2025
