Agbeyewa Farms has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, excellence, and community empowerment as the third edition of the Agbeyewa Cup football tournament enters its semi-final stage.
At a media conference held in Ikere-Ekiti, key stakeholders from Agbeyewa Farms, the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) gathered to unveil the official branded kits, match balls, and gift items, as well as to review progress and discuss preparations for the grand finale scheduled to hold at the Olukismet Stadium, Ikere-Ekiti.
In his address, Mr. Dauda Lawal, Director of Community Engagement at Agbeyewa Farms, highlighted that the vision behind the Agbeyewa Cup was inspired by the company’s Chairman, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, whose passion for youth empowerment through sports continues to drive the initiative.
“The Agbeyewa Cup is not just a competition — it is a capacity-building project,” Lawal stated. “We’re reviving what the old Principal’s Cup represented: talent discovery, discipline, and youth development.”
He noted that the tournament, which began three years ago, has continued to record remarkable growth through its strategic partnership with the Ekiti State Ministry of Education.
“Each edition gets better. We’ve had no casualties, and we continue to learn, improve, and expand our impact,” he added.
Lawal also announced the cash prizes for this year’s edition: ₦1 million for the champion, ₦750,000 for the first runner-up, ₦500,000 for the second runner-up, and ₦250,000 for the third runner-up. All four semi-finalist schools will also receive branded kits and special gift packages.
According to Mr. Isaac Elegbeleye, Deputy Director of Schools Sports, Ekiti State Ministry of Education, a total of 150 schools across Ekiti State participated in the 2025 tournament, producing champions from the 16 local government areas.
Unveiling the semi-final fixtures, Elegbeleye announced that Aramoko District High School will face Efon High School at Ekiti Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti, while Igogo Commercial High School will take on Eporo High School at CAC Comprehensive High School, Ado-Ekiti,
both matches scheduled for Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.
Elegbeleye commended Agbeyewa Farms for reviving the glory of school sports in Ekiti State. He noted that the excitement and high level of participation witnessed in this year’s competition are clear reflections of the company’s substantial investment and commitment to delivering a top-notch tournament.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Mr. Rotimi Wusu, Head of Marketing and Communications at Agbeyewa Farms, expressed appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.
“We’re not just hosting a competition — we’re building a legacy,” Wusu said. “The Agbeyewa Cup is reviving the spirit of the old Principal’s Cup and giving students something to be proud of. The finals promise to be a carnival-like celebration of youth and sports, with provisions in place for an exciting and memorable experience.”
Looking ahead, Lawal hinted at Agbeyewa’s broader vision to establish an Agbeyewa Sports Academy dedicated to nurturing young talents discovered through the competition.
“Our chairman is thinking beyond football. We envision creating platforms for multiple sports, building academies, and raising future national athletes,” he revealed.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kayode Omilero, Chairman of the Referees Committee, Ekiti State, assured that the Nigerian Referees Association is fully prepared for the semi-final and final matches, pledging the highest standards of officiating.
Now in its third year, the Agbeyewa Cup has grown into more than a football tournament — it stands as a symbol of youth empowerment, discipline, and corporate-community collaboration in Ekiti State.
