Engineer Olaide Abdullateef Ahmed today, June 4, 2023, at Elite Tranquil Hotel, Ilorin unveiled his document of plan for the administration and development of football in Kwara State, titled “Rocking the Boat: Our only Choice” ahead of the Kwara State Football Association elections on June 13th, in Kaiama.
At a gathering of football stakeholders, which was purposely organised to unveil the plan and also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kwara State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Engr Olaide emphasized that he joined the race to exhibit his passion for the game of football, and express his capacity to develop football in the state.
Engr. Olaide will contest the Chairmanship seat against the incumbent Chairman, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa, whom he said, has not performed, going by the identified indices, which includes facilities and player development and representations, especially at the national level.
Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa, popularly known as Thuraya was elected four years ago, emerging as the first democratically elected Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, and is seeking his second term in office.
“I am highly determined. I have the passion and capacity to give back to the society. And going by the indices I have identified in my plan, which includes having the required facilities and breeding of players that can play in all levels of the national teams, the current Chairman, to me, has not done anything. He has not performed”, he said.
“I have decided to offer my ideas to change the face of football in Kwara State, thereby setting a benchmark that will inspire others for the overall development of football in the country.
“I have the capacity, the knowledge and requisites to pilot the administraon of football in Kwara State to an enviable level. I have over four decades cult followership of football. I played the game, I have listened to the ordeals of players and coaches in the state, and I have equally offered my widow’s mite in support to them.
“I am familiar with the problems of grassroots football and have a clear cut soluons to them. I have football management experience spanning almost a decade, as member, Vice Chairman and Chairman of Nigeria Nationwide League side, Barrier Sports Club of Ilorin.
He appealed to all delegates that beyond anything else, his passion for football and track records as a successful Business Manager is what he is bringing to the table, as he aspire forthetop seat.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji said that government will ensure that everything will be put in place to ensure a hitch-free elections in Kaiama.
The Chairman of Kwara United FC, Kumbi Titiloye, the Club’s General Manager, Bashir Badawiy, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Adebayo Owolabi Agbaji Wopa, Alhaji Toyin Olokoba, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Administrator of Kwara Football Academy, Mallam Bako Ibrahim, Mallam Hameed Adio and other stakehders called praised Engr. Olaide and his initiative, and hoped for a free and fair elections.
Ten candidates have already bought Intent Forms to validate their interest to contest for the available positions in the next Kwara FA Board.
