The 2024 Obasa Games are set to take place soon, with the draw for this year’s multi-sport event unveiled on November 5 at the Agege Local Government secretariat. This much-anticipated ceremony took place in the multipurpose hall of the local government, revealing a structured competition consisting of 32 teams from the Lagos West Senatorial District. The teams are divided into eight groups, each containing four competitors, setting the stage for an exciting series of matches in various sports. Notably, the opening day will feature a football match between Lion Hearts FC and Ajegunle United, igniting the competitive spirit among participants and fans alike.
The games’ official opening ceremony is scheduled for November 15 at Anwar-Islam Secondary School, while Another venue, Diary Farm Secondary School in Agege, will play host to the majority of the football games. This strategic scheduling of venues not only maximizes participation but also aims to enhance the overall experience for both players and supporters. Ganiyu Obasa, the chairman of the local organizing committee, highlighted the importance of strong team representation and encouraged the athletes to come together and present their best skills during the event.
In line with the competitive spirit of the Obasa Games, various financial incentives have been announced, which include cash prizes for the top teams and awards for outstanding individual players. This element of acknowledgement serves to motivate athletes to strive for excellence and showcases the value placed on sportsmanship within the Lagos West Senatorial District. The atmosphere surrounding the event is charged with anticipation, and participants are eager to prove their mettle on the field and in other sporting disciplines.
The draw ceremony drew significant attention, with notable figures from both the football and political arenas in attendance, indicative of the event’s growing prominence. Dignitaries included Otunba Richard Akin Oshungboye, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, and Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, alongside Damilare Orimoloye, the Senior Special Assistant on Sports to the Lagos State Governor. Their presence emphasizes the support and commitment of local government bodies toward promoting sports development within the region.
Additionally, the event was graced by the participation of former football internationals Waidi Akanni and Haruna Lookman, alongside Dele Atoun, the General Secretary of the Lagos State Referees Association. Their involvement in the ceremony not only highlights the rich sporting heritage of the Lagos West Senatorial District but also serves as an inspiration to the young athletes competing in the Games. The presence of such experienced figures provides an excellent opportunity for youth engagement and mentorship in sports.
The Obasa Games encompass a multitude of sporting disciplines beyond just football, including boxing, table tennis, chess, and scrabble, ensuring a well-rounded representation of talent among U-19 males and females from the Lagos West Senatorial District. This multi-sport format is designed to foster community spirit, encourage sportsmanship, and showcase the diverse athletic capabilities of the region’s youth. With the excitement building ahead of the opening ceremony, the Obasa Games promise to be a thrilling celebration of youth sports, aiming to culminate in memorable performances and lasting camaraderie among participants.
