Ekiti Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti, has emerged champion of the fourth edition of the Agbeyewa Cup, winning ₦1 million, gold medals, a trophy and branded sports bags.
The competition, organised by Agbeyewa Farms, featured 140 secondary schools from the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, providing a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents and promoting unity among schools and communities.
Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Dr Niyi Olajide, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to bringing schools and communities together, promoting sportsmanship and creating opportunities for emerging football talents.
Olajide, represented by the Managing Director of the farms, Mr Seyi Ayeleso, spoke at the grand finale held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.
He said the Agbeyewa Academy competition was established to provide talented young footballers with a structured pathway to develop their skills and pursue opportunities beyond the school environment.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, Mr Bayode Ogunmola, who chaired the occasion, commended Agbeyewa Farms for demonstrating the importance of well-organised school sports in youth development.
Ogunmola said the competition promoted discipline, teamwork, talent discovery and positive engagement among students, noting that such initiatives could contribute to the overall development of young people.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association, Chief Oluwole Oloworemo, said the tournament had helped restore the lost glory of inter-secondary school football.
He compared the Agbeyewa Cup to the historic Principals’ Cup, which played a significant role in shaping school sports and strengthening community life in previous decades.
The Director of Community Engagement at Agbeyewa Farms, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, described the competition as a platform for nurturing young talents, fostering unity among communities and strengthening the organisation’s relationship with the people it serves.
Community High School, Osin-Ekiti, finished second, winning ₦750,000 and silver medals, while Iluomoba Grammar School, Iluomoba-Ekiti, secured third place with ₦500,000 and bronze medals.
Moba Grammar School finished fourth and received ₦250,000 as consolation prize money.Individual honours also went to players from the winning school, with Fasaye Ayomide named Most Valuable Player and Abdulahi Amisu emerging as Best Goalkeeper.
Both players represented Ekiti Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti.
The tournament began with 140 secondary schools competing across Ekiti State’s 16 local government areas before culminating in the grand finale, which attracted students, football enthusiasts, government representatives and other stakeholders.
The fourth edition further highlighted the role of school sports in discovering young talents, encouraging healthy competition and strengthening relationships between schools and their host communities.
