The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, says he is optimistic that the upcoming Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18/U20 Championship, set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital, will be a breeding ground for Africa’s next generation of athletics stars.
The monarch spoke during a reception at his palace for a high-level delegation from the CAA and Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC).
The statement, released on Wednesday, was conveyed by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the NSC.
The Alake said: “We are very happy to be staging this championship here in Abeokuta, and I am very confident that many of the young talents that are participating in this championship will soon begin to shine all over the world.”
He noted the city’s historical and cultural significance, noting that Abeokuta was the first town to produce a Traditional Ruler to visit Europe in 1904.
The traditional ruler urged the visiting officials and delegates to experience the unique cultural offerings of Egbaland.
“Before you all leave Abeokuta, I want to urge you to visit the first Presidential Library in West Africa — the Olusegun Obasanjo Library. You should also visit our local market and buy our adire, which is our export to the world,” he said.
CAA President Hamad Malboum expressed deep gratitude to the Alake for the royal audience and warm welcome.
He praised Nigeria’s commitment to the development of athletics and acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for the support that enabled the quick reorganisation of the championship after Algeria withdrew.
Persecondnews reported that a similar visit was extended to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday.
The championship is set to kick off on Wednesday July 16, promising to be a defining moment for the next generation of African stars.
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