Ekiti State witnessed a historic moment in youth sports as it hosted its first U-12 Baseball Tournament, organized to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day. The event, led by the dedicated coach Mr. Oluwafemi Aina, head coach and umpire-in-chief of Ekiti State baseball/softball, provided a thrilling stage for discovering new talents.
Held over three days at Christ School Boys in Ado Ekiti, the tournament featured teams from Ekiti, Osun, and Kwara States.Young players showcased their skills, passion, and professionalism in the game of baseball. This landmark event, entirely financed by Mr. Oluwafemi Aina, marks the first time a club in District 03 (which includes Ekiti, Osun, Kwara, and parts of Western and Northern Nigeria) has organized such a tournament.
The tournament opened with the Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion Mr.Ayo Ojo throwing the first pitch. On the second day, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko Commissioner for Public Utilities threw the first pitch, while Hon. Ayo Ojo had the honor again on the final match.
The tournament saw Osun’s Alara Little League Baseball Club defeating Ekiti State in the opening match on Saturday. Sunday’s game had Kwara State triumphing over Ekiti. In the finals, Osun State’s Alara Little League emerged victorious against Kwara State’s Saint Joseph Baseball Club. The most valuable players, Mbanefo Raphael from Kwara and Abdulganiyu Abdulmumeen from Osun, received awards and baseball kits.
Bags full of baseball and softball equipment were also donated to Kwara and Osun States each, a move which marked the first time ever in Nigeria’s history since 1989.
The event was graced by numerous distinguished guests, including the Head Coach of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA), Coach Jide Abidoye, who was present throughout the tournament. Other notable attendees were Prof. Pat Oyeniyi, Prof. B.O. Ajayi-Vincent, and Comrade Owoseni Bamiyo Morakinyo, Director of Sports NYCN.
Government officials, including the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, and the Special Advisor on Youth Inclusion, Hon. Ayo Ojo who attended the event emphasized the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Ekiti’s children through sports, promising further support to nurture baseball and softball in the state.
Following the competitive matches, children celebrated by dancing and playing games. The tournament also identified young talents to represent District 03 in an upcoming competition, with four Ekiti players making the list.
During the event, sports enthusiasts and members of the Softball and Baseball Association of Nigeria called for more support from the government, organizations, and individuals.
They highlighted the benefits of baseball in building mental stability and keeping children away from vices.
Mr. Oluwafemi Aina, who organized the tournament with support from foreign partners, passionately appealed for public backing to help children realize their dreams of playing in world leagues.
As the Children’s Day celebration concludes, the event has left a lasting impression, with children eagerly looking forward to future tournaments and the opportunities they bring.
