7th December, 2010
Athletes from Ifako Ijaye Local Government were the cynosure of all eyes at the traditional sports championship organised by Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro Classic Association.
The tournament was held in conjunction with Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola headed by Prince Wale Oladunjoye.
Athletes of Ifako Ijaye LG carted away majority of the available medals and the prize monies at the one-day event, which was held at the playground of Vetland Primary School, Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria.
In Ayo Olopon, Jimoh Ibrahim from Ifako Ijaye beat Babafemi Esan of Ojokoro Local Government Development Area, LCDA to win the gold medal and the sum of N10,000. Esan won Silver medal and the sum of N7,500 while Osuolale Adeyanju of Abattoir and Aregbe Ibrahim of Iju Ishaga came third and fourth respectively. They were given the sum of N5000 each.
In draughts, Happy Oyakhire of Ifako Ijaye came first followed by Abisoye Rasheed and Wale Ogunsanya of the same local government. Adeleke Adebowale of Ojokoro LCDA came fourth.
In card event, Ifako Ijaye’s Sikiru Durosimi won the gold medal and Olaitan Alade of Ojokoro came second. Abimbola Adeyanju of Ifako Ijaye picked the third position, while Ojo Bamidele of Ojokoro came fourth.
Antenna of Ifako Ijaye won the star prize of N25,000 in the Ram Charging contest, Santos also of Ifako Ijaye came second with a prize of N15,000, while Igwe of Ojokoro came third and won the sum of N7,500.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, Jimoh Ibrahim commended Governor Fashola for resuscitating the traditional games in the state, adding that Fashola’s love for sports has further shown that he is a governor of the people.
The chairperson of Classic Association, Mrs. Oluwakemi Jaiyeola, said Lagos stands a chance to boost its medal haul in the National Sports Festival from traditional sports and commended Prince Wale Oladunjoye for giving her association the approval to organise the tourney.
Dignitaries who graced the event include Olufako of Ifako-Ijaiye, Oba Festus Obawole, Oba Rilwan Oluwalambe Taiwo of Ojokoroland, Oba Abass Ajibode, the Oniju of Ijuland and Oba Elijah Olanire Ebelami of Iju-Ishaga,.
Mr. Balogun, Executive Secretary, L.E.D. Ifako Ijaiye and Mr. Olu Adetona Arowolo, Principal Education Officer, Ifako Ijaye LG were also in attendance.