Aliyu Issa Aiedu Football Academy, (AFA) was yesterday, Thursday February 27, 2025, unveiled at the Edu Local Government Stadium, Lafiagi, with the vision to explore both the development and economic values of the round leather game in Nigeria.
Briefing newsmen on his vision and mission during the unveiling ceremony, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ambassador Aliyu Issa Aeidu said that the initiative was bourne out of his experience during his sojourn abroad, where, according to him, youth and sports development were being championed more by private individuals and communities.
“I had a lot of dreams growing up as a footballer, but I couldn’t make it. I had the opportunity to go abroad, where most things are not done by the government, but by private individuals.
“I want to bring back here what I have learnt, so that we can help.our young talented players to grow. We want to grow local football so that we can be able to minimise crime through the engagement and empowerment of youths through football. It’s also a way of community development”, he averred.
He added that the unveiling will be followed by series of developmental plans, which includes facilities and collaboration with stakeholders, even as he sought for the support of the government and the community.
He charged the youths to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Director of the project, Dr. Ndanusa Manzuma, who is the Goroson Lafiagi said that the initiative started as a community youth engagement process, to play football for fun, entertainment and to win prizes.
“We started sometimes ago, as a community engagement plan, to play for fun and win prizes. But we now begin to explore the business angle to football, with the realisation that there are so many ways to make a living, especially with the youths, and for the youths.
“We are determined to take it to the next level. Our next level is to see our boys playing for the national teams, and for international clubs. That outcome will make a huge difference in our society”, he added.
The Chairman of Edu Football Council, Mallam Malik Manzuma, who is the Damburam of Lafiagi described the development as huge investment for the community.
The unveiling of AFA brings the numbers of existing Academies in Lafiagi to two, following the unveiling of Lafiagi Football Academy last year, as Mallam Manzuma said that more will soon be unveiled in the community.
Mallam Manzuma, who was voted as the Best Football Council Chairman in the state commended the Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, for supporting the Council during the recently concluded Sardauna of Ilorin U16 competition in Ilorin.
He also commended Ambassador Aliyu Issa Aeidu for introducing the Academy.
The newly unveiled Academy defeated DollyP Football Academy of Ilorin 2-0 in an encounter that witnessed wonderful performance from both sides.
The unveiling ceremony was rounded off at Lafyama Suites, Lafiagi, later in the evening. Football enthusiasts from far and near graced the historic event.
