Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has endorsed the YAYI Unity Cup and All APC Contestants 2027 (YUCAAC), pledging to attend the grand finale of the statewide football tournament scheduled to involve teams from Ogun State’s 20 local government areas.

Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, gave the assurance at his ultramodern campaign headquarters in Omida, Ibara, Abeokuta.

He received a delegation from the YAYI Sports Group (YSG), led by Otunba Olusola Orelaja, patron of the group and chairman of the YUCAAC Organising Committee, during a courtesy visit to formally present the initiative and seek his endorsement.

Other members of the delegation included Chief (Mrs.) Falilat Ogunkoya, MON, president of YSG, and Coach Alaba Amusa, the group’s coordinator and head coach of table tennis at the Ogun State Sports Council.

The tournament, which will feature teams representing Ogun State’s 20 local government areas, is being organised in honour of Adeola and all APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. It aims to promote grassroots sports development, discover emerging talents, create opportunities for young people and foster unity among party faithful.

Commending the YAYI Sports Group for the initiative, Adeola described the competition as consistent with his vision for sports development in Ogun State. He highlighted the role of sports in youth empowerment, talent discovery, career development and social advancement.

The senator also expressed appreciation for the decision to organise the tournament in his honour, citing his interventions in the sports sector and promising to restore its prominence across the state if elected governor.

“Let me start by thanking the general manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, for leading the team to my office. I also appreciate the YAYI Sports Group for taking the initiative to organise a tournament involving the 20 local government areas in my honour and that of all APC candidates for 2027,” he said.

Adeola lamented what he described as the relegation of sports to the background, pledging a comprehensive revival of sporting activities across the state.

“Sports, which has been relegated to the background, will be brought back. We will revive all aspects of sporting activities, including golf, football, lawn tennis, table tennis and other sports. We will also activate our local structures and sporting associations,” he declared.

He further stressed the importance of creating platforms for young people to identify, develop and showcase their abilities, noting that many talented individuals lack the opportunities needed to fulfil their potential.

“This Yayi Unity Cup is already showing me that we are moving in the right direction because I understand the benefits it will bring to our teeming youths in terms of development, career opportunities and helping them become what they aspire to be.

“There are many hidden and gifted talents out there. Some people are blessed, but they lack the opportunity or platform to showcase what they can do. We are ready to bring them on board, give them opportunities and help secure their future,” Adeola said.

The APC governorship candidate also assured Orelaja that the YAYI Sports Group would be considered for involvement in future sports development initiatives, given its experience and grassroots reach.

“For what you have done, I thank and appreciate you. When we set up the relevant committees, we will bring you in to share your wealth of experience in sports development. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that sports receives the attention it deserves,” he added.

The endorsement is expected to strengthen the YUCAAC initiative as the organisers prepare to mobilise communities, young athletes and football stakeholders across Ogun State for the competition.

The initiative also underscores the YAYI Sports Group’s commitment to using football as a platform for youth engagement, grassroots participation, talent discovery and unity across the state’s 20 local government areas.

Dignitaries present at the endorsement meeting included Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, incoming deputy governor; Alhaji Yemisi Sanusi, APC chairman in Ogun State; Senator Lekan Mustapha, director-general of the Yayi Campaign Council; and Hon. Babatunde Olaotan (HBO), chairman of the council’s Contacts and Mobilisation Committee and special adviser to the Ogun State governor on Government House and General Services, alongside other party leaders and stakeholders.

The YUCAAC 2027 tournament is scheduled to hold from November 16 to 22, with grassroots football expected to take centre stage in discussions around youth development and the future of sports in Ogun State.