In honour of the forthcoming 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, an Ile-Ife-born entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Victor Badejo, has unveiled a series of youth-focused competitions and empowerment initiatives through his non-governmental organization, the Victor Badejo Foundation.
The initiatives, which include scholarships up to tertiary level, cash prizes, food support for the elderly, and other gifts, are designed to celebrate the Ooni’s decade of impactful reign marked by youth empowerment, education, and community development.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni, the monarch’s Private Secretary and coordinator of the events, Adewale Adetoyese, revealed that the programme will feature quiz, debate, and football competitions among students and youths across Ife land.
According to Adetoyese, the project is not only a tribute to the Ooni’s visionary leadership but also a reflection of his enduring investment in human capital and grassroots development. He disclosed that the Victor Badejo Foundation was founded by one of the Ooni’s beneficiaries—an individual inspired by the monarch’s magnanimity and mentorship.
“The quiz and debate competitions will involve participants from both secondary and tertiary institutions across Ife land. They will engage in intellectually stimulating contests spanning history, governance, culture, innovation, and sustainable development. Beyond academic excellence, the goal is to inspire critical thinking, civic engagement, and effective public communication among the youth,” Adetoyese explained.
He added that the football tournament will unite young athletes from different communities in a friendly but competitive atmosphere, reinforcing values such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship—principles that align with the Ooni’s enduring commitment to youth development and social cohesion.
The event will run over several days, featuring preliminary rounds, cultural exhibitions, and other side attractions before culminating in a grand finale at the Oodua Heritage House, Ile Oodua Palace, Enuwa, Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, by 10:00 a.m. The final football match will take place later that day at Oduduwa College Football Pitch, Ile-Ife, by 4:00 p.m.
In addition to the youth competitions, the Foundation will distribute essential food items, including rice, beans, vegetable oil, and others, to elderly citizens, widows, and vulnerable persons within the community. This humanitarian gesture, according to the organizers, aims to spread joy and compassion during the anniversary celebration of the revered monarch.
The project, executed in partnership with the Osun State Government through the Ministry of Education, alongside private school proprietors and other local stakeholders, seeks to foster collaboration in advancing education and youth engagement in Ife and beyond.
The Foundation also extended an open invitation to corporate bodies, philanthropists, and community leaders to support and sponsor the initiative in honour of the Ooni’s decade of transformative leadership.
Looking ahead, the Victor Badejo Foundation announced plans to institutionalize the competitions as an annual event—a lasting legacy that will continue to promote excellence in education, sports, and character-building among young people across the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
