Organisers of the 2026 Starletts Ogun State School Sports Festival have commended the Ogun State Government, security agencies and traditional institutions for their contributions towards the successful staging of the sporting initiative.

The commendation was delivered during the grand finale of the festival, where the organisers acknowledged the support of the Ogun State Police Command, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Olowu of Owu Kingdom and key officials of the state government.

The festival was designed to provide schoolchildren with a competitive platform to showcase their sporting abilities, build confidence and develop discipline, teamwork and other essential life skills.

Project Coordinator, Alex Okonkwo, described the support from the various stakeholders as a significant boost to the festival's objectives, noting that sustainable grassroots sports development requires collaboration among government institutions, community leaders and relevant organisations.

He said the involvement of the Ogun State Police Command reinforced the importance of security and public safety in organising successful sporting events.

Okonkwo also acknowledged the NDLEA's contribution, explaining that its involvement strengthened the festival's youth development agenda, particularly in promoting drug-free lifestyles and discouraging substance abuse among young people.

The organisers further recognised the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Saka Matemilola, for his encouragement and support, describing traditional institutions as important partners in community mobilisation and youth development.

The Ogun State Government also received commendation through its Ministries of Education and Sports for supporting the integration of sporting activities into the development of schoolchildren.

According to the organisers, schools remain a vital starting point for identifying and nurturing sporting talents. They noted that school sports offer more than opportunities to produce future champions, as they also help young people develop leadership, discipline, teamwork and resilience.

Communication Director, Olatoye Olawale, said the festival was established to contribute to the long-term development of grassroots sports by creating opportunities for young athletes to be discovered and guided towards higher levels of competition.

“School sports must go beyond the organisation of competitions. They should serve as a deliberate talent development pathway, giving young people the opportunity to discover their abilities while developing the character and values that will serve them throughout life,” Olawale stated.

He added that the successful organisation of the festival demonstrated the need for stronger partnerships among educational institutions, government agencies, traditional authorities and private-sector stakeholders to build a sustainable sports development framework.

Dignitaries at the grand finale included the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who represented the Commissioner of Police; Ogun State NDLEA Commander, Tijjani Rabe; Dr. Lukman Kiadese, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education; Oba (Dr.) Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom; and Oba Dr. Adediran, Towulade of Akinale.

The organisers described the festival as an important step towards repositioning school sports as a platform for youth development, talent discovery and community engagement.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the foundation for the emergence of future sporting talents from Ogun State.