By: Oluseun JOSHUA, Abeokuta.

As part of the ongoing Ogun State Sports Festival, Sub-Saharan Gaming Systems Limited and Clearer, an innovative e-commerce solutions company, have partnered with the Odogbolu Local Government to promote youth participation in the Nigerian Federation of eSports. This collaboration aims to enhance digital engagement and empower young people through competitive gaming.

Speaking at the event held on Sunday at the Oladipo Diya Library, where the eSports competition took place, Damilola Pedro, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Federation of eSports, described the initiative as a bold step toward developing eSports in Nigeria, noting that it's a $180 billion industry.

She commended the local government chairman for his forward-thinking leadership and for embracing the vision of grassroots development.

Pedro emphasized the potential of eSports to engage youth and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, especially at the grassroots level.

“This initiative in Odogbolu Local Government is a perfect example of how eSports can be used to drive youth participation, economic growth, and educational development. By involving schools and communities, we can educate and expose people to the vast opportunities within the eSports industry, both locally and globally,” Pedro said.

Reacting to the development, Dr. Babatunde Diya, Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, described the initiative as a significant milestone in youth empowerment through sports.

“I recognized the opportunity immediately after the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the National Sports Commission led by Bukola Olopade introduced the eSports initiative. My gratitude also goes to our amiable leader and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for giving me the opportunity to serve and for supporting eSports at the ongoing Gateway Games Festival.

“If it’s happening at the federal and state levels, there’s no reason it shouldn’t happen at the local level too. As one of the youngest local government chairmen, I believe in intentionally creating opportunities for our youth.

Dr. Diya revealed that a prize pool of N1 million was available for winners in the inaugural edition of the competition, stressing that the initiative goes beyond monetary rewards.

“Our goal is to build a local government eSports team that will represent Odogbolu in future competitions at the state, national, and international levels, we are scouting for talent, training them, and laying the foundation for a digital sports facility right here".

He added that a gaming hub has been set up at the same Diya Library for the champions of the tournament to continue enhancing their skills in preparation for the eSports Varsity Games part of the National University Games coming up at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education later in the year, as well as other future national and international eSports competitions.

Speaking to journalists, Bolanle Olayoriju, Head of Corporate Affairs at Clearer, highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering youth through digital innovation.

“Our collaboration with the council reflects our mission to support youth empowerment through e-commerce and digital sports.

"Clearer provides innovative payment solutions to individuals and businesses. We believe Odogbolu shares our vision of using technology and eSports as tools for growth and development.” - She said.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Dolapo Akinpelu, CEO of Sub-Saharan Gaming Systems Limited; Mr. Koiza Oyanna, CEO of Clearer; representatives of Clearer E-commerce Solutions; Deacon Stanley Oluogun, Secretary to the Local Government; and Akogun Muyiwa Idowu, Chairman of the ruling party in Odogbolu, among others.