The official launch and inauguration of the Oke Ogun Tennis Club Trustees took place on Saturday in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State.
This initiative, led by Mr. Bola Olalere of the Oke Ogun Green Estate Okeho aims to promote recreation and youth engagement in the region through tennis.
The newly appointed Trustees of the club include Chief Sola Badmus as Chairman, Aare of Ofiki Land Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola II JP, Mrs. Kemi Adeola, Mr. Paul Adepoju, and Mr. Bola Olalere.
In his welcome address, Mr. Olalere, Project coordinator, Oke Ogun Green Revolution remarked that although the establishment of the Oke Ogun Tennis Club has been long overdue, it is a crucial step forward in providing recreational spaces for the region’s residents. He highlighted the club’s potential to boost local tourism and inspire a new generation of tennis champions from Oke Ogun.
During the inauguration, the Onjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale, praised the establishment of the club, noting that it would foster unity and development within the region.
He urged the Trustees to remain committed to the project’s growth and other community-focused initiatives led by the Oke Ogun Youth Association. Oba Osuolale also commended Olalere’s dedication to his community, praying for continued success in his efforts.
“Joshua Bola Olalere has done well by putting Okeho on the global map through Commonwealth Estates and now the Oke Ogun Tennis Club,” Oba Osuolale remarked. “I pray that his vision will come to fruition.”
Echoing this support, the Aare of Ofiki, Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola II, promised to use his influence to attract further development to the center. He shared plans to allocate 100 hectares for the club’s expansion, including tennis courts, an Olympic-standard swimming pool, and other facilities designed for tournaments and recreational activities.
Oba Oyinlola noted the historical significance of Odo Ofiki, where state representatives for swimming competitions were once trained, and expressed hope that this project would revitalize government and international interest in the area.
In his remarks, Oba Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, the Alado of Ado-Awaye, emphasized the need for Oke Ogun communities to collaborate in unlocking the region’s potential. He announced his intention to honor Bola Olalere with a chieftaincy title during the upcoming Iyake Festival 2024, in recognition of his commitment to Oke Ogun’s development.
Representatives from the Oyo State Tennis Club, including Coach Tirimisiyu and his assistant, attended the event to show support and commitment to the Oke Ogun Tennis Club’s success.
