It was celebration of achievements, commitment, empowerment and dedication, as Kwara United Fans Club staged a football competition to celebrate the three years of impactful leadership of Mallam Bolakale Adisa Magaji as the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission.

Mallam Magaji was appointed as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission in August 2021.

The competition, which held among eight youth clubs in the state was rounded off with a colourful closing ceremony on Saturday October 12, 2014, at the Main-Bowl of the State Stadium Complex, where Sports enthusiasts, philanthropists, politicians, top government officials, family and friends converge, to not only felicitate Magaji, but also commend the state government, under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for raising the bar in youth and sports development.

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq used the occasion to reiterate his resolve to be more committed to youth and sports development, and equally called for more private sector partnership and collaboration.

The Governor pledged to consolidate on the grounds already covered, both in areas of infrastructure development and support for sports participation.

He emphasized on putting the right people in right places in getting things done in the right way, adding that the state has the capacity and capability to do more in sports because of the availability of facilities, all of which he averred, are concentrated in one location.

He described Mallam Magaji as a disciplined, excellent and committed administrator.

“We are always optimistic, because we have the capacity and the right and standard infrastructure in place. To that extent, we are always looking forward to more achievements, because we have a competent Administrator in charge.

The Governor was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaiye.

The Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Barrister Oba Magaji AbdulKadir (BOMA), in his goodwill message described Mallam Magaji as an achiever.

“He was my Coach back then. He encouraged us to play squash in the early 80s, and I am happy to join others to celebrate his three years of impactful leadership in office. He is a team player.

“The football competition in his honour was befitting enough. It was a true showcase of the immense talent and potential of the Kwara youth in sports.

“It was a joy to witness such a vibrant and energetic display of sportsmanship, and a proud moment to see our community come together to celebrate the achievements of our youth in sports.

The Special Assistant to Kwara Governor on Project Delivery, Mallam Kabir Kokori says Magaji is more or less his father, and described him as an achiever, adding that he is instrumental to the rapid growth in sports development in the state.

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Femi Yusuf described Magaji as a likeable person, dedicated and hardworking personality that believes so much in breaking new grounds.

“He was born into sports, he grew up in sports and he is living sports. He is doing what he is enjoying, with passion. He is worth being celebrated, and celebrating him also means encouraging others to emulate him.

“I want to commend the organisers, Kwara United Fans Club for bringing this up.

Also commending Magaji for his achievements so far at the Commission, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, who was synonymous with the sponsorship and development of baseball and softball through his company, Lubcon Limited, as well as Secondary School Football Championship among all schools in the state, pledged to do more to complement the state government in sports.

“Now that we have a good and capable manager in the person of Mallam Magaji, we are reconsidering coming back fully, to support sports. We are proud of what the Governor is doing.

“Magaji is a major inspiration. With the support of the government, he has turned things around, and that will encourage the private sector to come in”, he said.

Justice Lambo Akanbi (rtd) labelled Magaji’s leadership at the Commission as unique, even as he congratulated him.

“It’s an honour and privilege to celebrate Magaji after three years in charge. He is a passionate personality. His leadership style is unique, and that is why there are more to celebrate in terms of achievements.

The celebrant, Mallam Magaji, who expressed happiness with the honour done him, thanked the organizers for putting up a befitting competition to commemorate his highly successful three years in office.

He thanked the Executive Governor, Mallam AbdulRazaq for giving him the privilege to serve the State, and also supporting him to achieve in the position.

Kwara United Football Club Fans Club, being led by Mallam Tajudeen Osogun had taught it wise to celebrate Magaji on his three years anniversary as the Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission in style, by also encouraging the advancement of the round leather game at the grassroots.

According to Osogun, it was an event that was conceived to not only celebrate Mallam Magaji and his numerous achievements, but a way of bringing Kwarans together to applaud the contributions of Governor AbdulRasaq in the development and uplift of sports and youth.

The Governor, he said, has opened a new vista in sports development with the renovation and construction of facilities, as well as support to ensure all-round participation in sports, especially from the grassroots.

He specifically mentioned the Governor’s unalloyed support to the state’s darling team, Kwara United Football Club.

Mallam Osogun expressed gratitude to everyone that supported the competition in both cash and kind, even as he thanked Governor AbdulRazaq, for his continuous support to sports development, and support to Kwara United FC.

He also commended the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Mallam Magaji for his laudable achievements.

The pioneer Chairman of Kwara United Fans Club, Alhaji (Hon.) Shehu Abdulkadri Ajao commended the leadership of the Association for sustaining its legacies.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the outstanding leadership of the Executives of our association. I am overwhelmed with joy seeing the progress we’ve made. Many doubted our longevity, but God has been faithful.

“As pioneer Chairman and Founder, I join thousands in honoring our dedicated Magaji, the Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, on his three year milestone. His achievements are truly commendable.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to our supportive Governor, Mallam AbdulRazaq, who has fostered growth and sports development in the state.

“To all football enthusiasts, I urge us to sustain our support for Kwara United Football Club. Together, let’s propel our beloved team to greater heights and I believe the team will succeed.

Barrier Football Academy edged Okaa Sports Football Club by a lone goal in the final, to win the trophy.

Also among the dignitaries present at the colourful ceremony are Engr. Malik Kamila, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Alhaji Owolabi Wopa Agbaji, Alhaji Mujib Erubu and Mr. Yusuf of AbbreySports, the Director of Sports, Mallam Bako Ibrahim, Alhaji Lawal Sadiq, King Solomon Adeleke of KSA Security outfit, the Secretary of Kwara United FC, Wale Obalola, Mallam Shuaib Abdulkadri and others, all of whom praised Mallam Magaji for three impactful years as Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission.

They were all decorated with medals of honour.