Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to embracing progressive ideas from stakeholders in the sports industry, aimed at enhancing sports development in the state.
The Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports, Mallam Bolakale Magaji, stated this during the 3rd Annual Public Ceremony and Sports Excellence Awards organized by the Ahmed Ayinla Foundation.
Mallam Magaji, who described the event as laudable, said it was significant to recognize and celebrate sports heroes, stressing that the labour of past heroes should not be in vain, hence the need for such accolades.
He commended the organizer, Alhaji Ahmed Ayinla Agaka, for deeming it fit to honour sports icons in Kwara State for their contributions to sports development.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Ahmed Ayinla Foundation, Alhaji Ahmed Ayinla Agaka described the foundation as a non-governmental organization established in 2014 to ameliorate the suffering of the downtrodden, promote peace, and resolve conflicts.
Alhaji Agaka called on the Kwara State government to immortalize the founder of Al-Yusuf Salam Rocks Football Club, late Alhaji Adebayo Salami Yusuf Salami Sarumi, by naming an edifice after him at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
He noted that the gesture would serve as a way of appreciating the awardees, reaffirming that the labour of past heroes would not be in vain, while also encouraging the abundance of upcoming sports talents in the state to continue showcasing their skills in the interest of peace and development.
Alhaji Ayinla also appealed to corporate organizations and well-meaning individuals to support the state government in its quest to build a healthy society that would be the pride of the nation.
The awardees honoured during the event included: Bayour Issah (Mr Sports) Alhaji Hameed Adio (OLY),
Yakubu Ekundayo (Captain Dayo)
Baba Alli (Magaji Ikolaba) Alhaji Abdulkadir Tosho Alanamu
Coach Issa Saliman (Lanky), Rashidi Badmus (Baye) Alhaji Adebayo Yusuf Salami Sarumi and Kwara United Supporters Football Club. The got plaques and cash rewards.
