Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to engaging more youths in sporting activities by creating an enabling environment for their development.
The Governor, represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Magaji, stated this at the closing ceremony of the 16th edition of the Kwara, Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria (YSFON) Commissioner of Police Cup 2025, held in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, Kwara State Command, at the Kwara Football Academy field, Ilorin.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized that female athletes will continue to receive adequate attention, stressing his administration’s determination to promote inclusiveness in sports.
While commending the State Commissioner of Police for sustaining the initiative and building on the achievements of his predecessor in grassroots sports development, he charged other military and paramilitary formations to also support sports development, by engaging the youths meaningfully.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adekimi Ojo, noted that one of the primary roles of the police is crime prevention, which can be effectively achieved by constructively engaging youths.
He stressed that competitions like the CP Cup could provide opportunities for scouts to discover talented players, whose skills could lift their families out of poverty. Ojo further remarked that the tournament had demonstrated significant improvement in female football in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of Police Officers Wives Association, (POWA) in Kwara State, Mrs. Catherine Adekimi, explained that the essence of the tournament was to catch talents at a very young age and channel them towards productive ventures.
Mrs Adekimi highlighted the importance of giving girls positive role models, citing Chioma Ajunwa as an example, to inspire them to make meaningful contributions to society.
The Chairman of Kwara YSFON, Mallam Ademola Kiyesola, appreciated the Commissioner of Police for sustaining the annual competition and enriching it with more colour.
He stressed that the tournament was designed to reduce youth restiveness and curb criminality.
Mallam Kiyesola also urged parents to encourage their children to take part in sports of their choice.
The 2025 edition featured U-13 Boys, U-17 Boys, and U-17 Girls categories, producing thrilling encounters.
In the U-17 Boys Final, Barca Kiddies FA defeated Future Stars FA 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at regulation time.
Kwara Ladies United defeated Model Queens FA 2-0 to win POWA U17 Girls final, while Unique FA clinched the U13 Boys title by edging Future Stars FA 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate at regulation time.
Kwara Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was among the seven personities and associations recognised by YSFON with merit awards. Others are the Commissioner of Police, Mallam Bola Magaji, FA Chairman, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa, Deputy Commissioner, Nurudeen Abdulraheem, Kwara Police Command and POWA.
Heads of all military and para-military formations, top hierarchy of Kwara Police Command, politicians and sports enthusiasts graced the final.
