UI Honours Olaosebikan, says sports academy aligns with Renewed Hope Agenda

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The University of Ibadan (UI) has honoured a prominent public relations practitioner and Chief Executive Officer of Midas Communications Limited, Mr Kehinde Olaosebikan, for his contributions to the establishment and development of the university’s Sports Academy, saying the initiative aligns with the sports and youth development thrust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Olaosebikan was honoured on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with the “Iconic Friend of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy” award during a presentation at the headquarters of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Kehinde Olaosebikan (PBAT-KO) Grassroots Movement in Olomi, Oluyole Local Government Area of Ibadan.

The award was presented by a delegation from the university on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale, and was led by the Chairman of the UI Sports Academy, Professor Olufemi Adegbola Adegbesan.

Adegbesan said the university decided to recognise Olaosebikan in appreciation of his selfless service and significant contributions towards actualising the vision of the Sports Academy.

“On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale, I present this award to Hon. Kehinde Olaosebikan as an Iconic Friend of the Academy in recognition of your selfless service and immense contributions to the establishment of the Sports Academy of the University of Ibadan,” he said.

He said the university was particularly impressed by Olaosebikan’s commitment to sports and youth development, noting that his support had contributed to the progress made towards establishing the Academy.

The delegation included Professor Nureni Adedayo Adewole and the Secretary of the UI Sports Academy, Dr Ajijola Oluchi Mullie.

Responding, Olaosebikan expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and the university delegation for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to sustain his support for initiatives that promote sports development and empower young people.

He explained that his interest in the Sports Academy was driven by its potential to develop young talents and its alignment with the sports and youth development objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the agenda places emphasis on supporting programmes and structures capable of advancing national development, particularly through sports and youth development.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda places emphasis on initiating, supporting, and promoting activities, programmes and structures designed to further the growth of Nigeria in all aspects, especially in sports and youth development,” Olaosebikan stated.

He pledged to remain committed to the full realisation of the university’s vision of making the UI Sports Academy one of the leading sports development institutions on the African continent.

Olaosebikan said structured investment in sports could provide young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their talents while contributing to national development and creating pathways for professional growth.

The Sports Academy is expected to strengthen sports development, talent discovery and youth engagement within the university, while potentially serving as a platform for identifying and nurturing sporting talents beyond the institution.

The award presentation was witnessed by members of the PBAT-KO Grassroots Movement and other stakeholders from across Oyo State.