Odogbolu Makes History As First Local Government In Nigeria To Embrace eSports

— Odogbolu Partners with Sub-Saharan Gaming Systems and Clearer to Empower Youth Through Digital Sports…

Odogbolu Local Government Area in Ogun State has in a groundbreaking move that positions it at the forefront of innovation and youth engagement become the first local government in Nigeria to formally adopt eSports as part of its development strategy.

The historic launch took place over the weekend at the Oladipo Diya Library, serving as the venue for the maiden eSports competition held in conjunction with the ongoing Gateway Games Festival. The initiative is the result of a dynamic collaboration between Odogbolu Local Government, Sub-Saharan Gaming Systems Limited, and Clearer, a leading provider of digital commerce solutions.

Damilola Pedro, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Federation of eSports, who addressed the audience at the event, described the move as a visionary leap that aligns Nigeria with the global trend of digital sports. She emphasized that the eSports industry, valued at over $180 billion globally, holds vast potential for youth empowerment and economic development.

“This is a bold and commendable step toward redefining grassroots engagement through technology. By creating access to eSports, Odogbolu is unlocking a powerful tool for education, economic empowerment, and digital literacy among its young population,” Pedro said.

She lauded the forward-thinking leadership of the local government chairman for seizing the opportunity to embed eSports within community-based programs, thereby fostering an inclusive platform for digital innovation.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Dr. Babatunde Diya, described the eSports initiative as a strategic step to engage youth, discover talent, and drive socio-economic transformation through technology-driven sports.

“This project goes beyond gaming. It is about empowering young people, nurturing their talents, and offering them pathways to compete and excel on national and international platforms,” Dr. Diya stated.

He explained that he swiftly embraced the opportunity following the federal government’s recognition of eSports under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the initiative’s promotion by the National Sports Commission, led by Bukola Olopade. He extended his appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for supporting innovation and youth-oriented programs at the grassroots level.

“If we are witnessing such strides at the federal and state levels, then the local government must not be left behind. As one of the youngest chairmen in the country, I am committed to building opportunities that will shape a progressive future for our youth,” he added.

The inaugural competition came with a prize pool of N1 million, but Dr. Diya noted that the vision transcends financial incentives. According to him, the goal is to build a formidable eSports team for Odogbolu that will participate in future contests at state, national, and global levels.

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To support this ambition, the local government has established a permanent gaming hub within the Diya Library where the newly crowned champions and other enthusiasts will continue training. This facility will serve as a prep ground for competitions such as the upcoming eSports Varsity Games during the National University Games scheduled to hold later this year at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education.

Bolanle Olayoriju, Head of Corporate Affairs at Clearer, expressed her company’s delight in partnering with the council to drive technological empowerment. She noted that Clearer, known for its innovative payment and e-commerce solutions, sees the initiative as a natural extension of its mission to support youth development through digital tools.

“Our partnership with Odogbolu Local Government reflects our belief that technology and eSports can serve as catalysts for growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We are proud to be part of this movement,” Olayoriju said.

The landmark event attracted several notable personalities including Mr. Dolapo Akinpelu, CEO of Sub-Saharan Gaming Systems Limited; Mr. Koiza Oyanna, CEO of Clearer; Deacon Stanley Oluogun, Secretary to the Local Government; and Akogun Muyiwa Idowu, Chairman of the ruling party in Odogbolu, among others.

With this pioneering step, Odogbolu has positioned itself as a trailblazer in integrating technology and sports for community development, setting an example other local governments may soon follow.