Sports Take Centre Stage as Pa Samuel Ilesanmi’s Week-Long 90th Birthday Celebration Begins Today

By Kanu Samuel

Activities marking the 90th birthday celebration of Pa Samuel Ilesanmi (JogboJogbo) will kick off on Monday, 20 July 2026.

As part of the celebrations for the nonagenarian, Ayo Olopon, draughts, egg race and other sporting competitions will take centre stage on the opening day of the event.

The indoor sporting events form part of the two-day sporting programme sponsored by Dammybib Mortgage Brokers UK, Ubusting Nig. Ltd., Akure, Samonda Metal Construction, Akure, Riktoy Oil & Gas, Akure, JSP Communication, Akure, and Tapson Aluminium, Ado. The week-long celebration promises to be a memorable tribute to the highly respected patriarch.

The indoor games will be held at the premises of the Celestial Church of Christ Ona Ara Blessed Cathedral, Ijare, popularly known as Cele JogboJogbo, while the football competition will take place at the Anglican Grammar School Field, Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area, on Monday and Wednesday. Spiritual counselling will be held on Tuesday.

The football competition will feature four teams: FC JogboJogbo, Mosinmiloluwa FC, Mawotan FC (Akure North), and the Ondo State Sports Council team.

All participating teams will play on Monday, with the two winning sides advancing to the final on Wednesday.

The remaining two teams will compete for third place before the championship match.

Other activities lined up for the week-long celebration will continue on Thursday with games involving children and grandchildren, as well as poetry, storytelling and the sharing of memories. On Friday, guests will enjoy an evening of testimonies and reminiscences, followed by an Asun Night with live entertainment by DJ Lewis.

The celebration will climax on Saturday with a musical performance by Evangelist Dare Melody at BTO Hall, Ilesha Garage, Akure.

A thanksgiving service will round off the festivities on Sunday at the Celestial Church of Christ Ona Ara Blessed Cathedral, Ijare.