The Chairman of the Offa Football Council, Alhaji Wasiu Bisi Lawal, has condemned the incident that led to the suspension of football activities in Offa by the Local Government Chairman, Hon Sulaiman Olatunji Laaro Omituntun, describing the development as unfortunate for the progress of grassroots sports in the community.
Reacting to the development, Lawal said football in Offa has over the years served not only as a recreational activity but also as a veritable tool for youth engagement and community security.
“Those that took laws in their hands are neither footballers nor football enthusiasts. Condolences to the families affected by the incident. We sympartize with the families and friends of the affected victims.
According to him, “regular football competitions help keep young people positively occupied and reduce social vices in the area”.
He explained that the strategic importance of football to the peace and development of the town was one of the reasons the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, approved the ongoing renovation and upgrading of the Offa Stadium.
The project, he noted, is aimed at providing better facilities that will further encourage sports development and talent discovery in the community.
While acknowledging the authority of the Council to maintain law and order, Lawal appealed to the Local Government Chairman to lift the suspension on football activities in the interest of the youths and the wider community.
He also urged the Council to put in place proper monitoring mechanisms and ensure strict compliance with laid-down rules and regulations to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
Alhaji Wasiu, while explaining various moves that had been made by football enthusiasts after the ugly incident, equally commended Hon. Sulaiman Oladapo Oladuntoye, the Special Adviser on Sports to Offa Local Government Chairman, including his visit to the DPO of Offa.
He further called on football stakeholders, club officials, players and supporters to always conduct themselves responsibly and respect the law, stressing that discipline and proper organisation are essential for the growth and sustainability of football in Offa.
“We commend the efforts of our Local Government Chairman, Hon Sulaiman Olatunji Laaro Omituntun. Our sincere appreciation also goes to His Eminence, Oba Muftau Muhammad Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, for his fatherly role towards community development.
