OGFRC Chairman Urges Referees to Uphold Integrity at Annual Fitness and Seminar Programme
The Chairman of the Ogun State Football Referees Council (OGFRC), Mr. Olatunbosun Obayemi, has called on referees across the state to be exemplary ambassadors of the Council by upholding the Laws of the Game and maintaining integrity both on and off the field.
He made this charge during his address at the 2025 Annual Fitness and Seminar Programme, held at the newly renovated MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, the venue of the recent National Sports Festival and CAA U18 and U20 Championship.
According to the media release signed by Olatunde Tijani, the Publicity Secretary of the Council, Obayemi emphasized the importance of professionalism in officiating, urging match officials to interpret the laws to the letter and avoid any conduct that could tarnish the image of football.
‘Every match official must interpret the laws to the letter and maintain professionalism in their assignments,’ he stated.
‘Referees must shun any act capable of tarnishing the image of football.’
The programme drew over 100 referees from across Ogun State, who participated in the traditional Cooper fitness test and attended technical seminars designed to update them on recent amendments introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), modern refereeing trends, and physical conditioning techniques to remain match-ready and injury-free.
The seminar featured practical and interactive sessions led by respected resource persons, including retired referee and physical trainer with Remo Stars FC, Rtd. Ref. Fatimo Oyeniyi, and active Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) referee, Mr. Oluwatobiloba Mojeed.
Their presentations focused on referee fitness, technical game analysis, and adaptation to IFAB’s latest changes.
Participants commended the Council for organizing a well-structured and impactful event, pledging renewed commitment to excellence in officiating and adherence to global best practices.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries and stakeholders in Ogun football, including Alhaji F. A. Yusuf, Ogun FA representative and former NFRA executive; former Chairmen of Abeokuta and Olumo Societies, Alhaji M. A. Onipede and Mr. Musibau Bamigboye; Deputy Chairman, Mr. Sixtus Aregbesola; Vice Chairman, Mr. Rauf; Council Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adigun; Training Officer, Hon. Samuel Bamgboye; Treasurer, Barr. Oluwaseun Jinad; Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olatunde Tijani; and Chairmen of Abeokuta, Mr. Ayokambi; Ijebu-Ode, Mr. Jessey Aregbesola; Odeda, Mr. Usman Usain; Ilaro and Ado-Odo, Mr. Sola Womiloju, alongside other society executives.
The Ogun State Football Referees Council reaffirmed its commitment to continuous development and capacity building for referees in the state, with the goal of raising the standard of officiating and promoting the integrity of the game.
