Alhaji Mohammed Haruna Ilerika Maigidansa has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots football development with the donation of a brand-new trophy to the Akerebiata All Stars, in a gesture aimed at promoting unity, sportsmanship, and sustained engagement among likeminds in the community.
Alhaji Maigidansa donated the prestigious trophy in honour of Engr. Ridwan Cook Amode, as part of activities marking his birthday celebration on April 1, 2026. The competition is tagged “JCR All Stars Soccer Cup” tournament
Engr. Amode is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) JCR Limited.
The presentation, which took place at the Secretariat of Kwara All Stars Football Family, George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, drew admiration from football enthusiasts and stakeholders, who described the donation as timely and impactful, especially at a period when community-based football continues to serve as a tool for youth development and social cohesion.
Speaking during the brief ceremony, Alhaji Maigidansa noted that football remains a powerful instrument for fostering peace and discovering hidden talents at the grassroots level.
He emphasized that supporting All Stars family would not only keep them lively, but equally improves healthy living, friendship and togetherness.
“This trophy is more than just a prize; it is a symbol of encouragement and a call to remain disciplined, united, and committed to the growth of the game,” he said.
The gesture, described as a celebration of leadership and service, is aimed at immortalising Engr. Amode’s contributions to community development and his passion for community development and grassroots sports.
The trophy is expected to serve as a symbol of excellence and healthy competition among All Stars family within Akerebiata and beyond.
The competition is expected to be competed by All Stars teams in the state, with the final scheduled for April 1, 2026.
Speaking on the initiative, stakeholders in Kwara All Stars football circle lauded the donor for recognizing a worthy personality through sports development.
Chairman of Kwara All Stars, Mallam Idris Ahmed SMO, commended the donation, noting that it reflects the growing synergy between sports and community leadership. He described both Engr. Ridwan Cook Amode and Maigidansama as committed supporters of community engagement and figures whose influence continues to inspire positive change.
“This honour is well deserved. Engr. Amode and Maigidansama have shown, over time, that they believe in the power of sports as a unifying force. Associating the Engr’s birthday with a trophy like this is a brilliant way to keep that legacy alive,” he said.
The All Stars Chairman announced the conferment of Honourary membership on Engr. Amode.
Also reacting, Alhaji Razaq Adelodun, who is the Chairman, Ilorin East Stakeholders, praised Alhaji Maigidansa for the thoughtful gesture, adding that such initiatives would encourage more private individuals to invest in grassroots football.
He emphasized that celebrating impactful personalities through sports creates a ripple effect that benefits the younger generation.
In his remarks, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Nwachigoziri 1, described the donation as a landmark move that blends celebration with development. He noted that football at the community level thrives on support as such.
The Akerebiata All Stars management, being lead by the quartet of Yahaya Yar’Adua, Alhaji Salihu Babatunde Afase, Mr. Mudashir Akintola and Saka Toyin Baruba, expressed gratitude for the honour, pledging to ensure that the trophy becomes a cornerstone of competitive football activities in the area.
The birthday trophy competition is expected to attract teams and fans, further strengthening community ties while celebrating a man widely respected for his contributions to society.
Among those that witnessed the ceremony are Abubakar Olarongbe, who is the Chairman of Chairmen, Qozeem Hassan, who is the Chairman, Gambari 2, and Alhaji Sulaiman Abubakar, the representative of Ilorin East Chairman, members of Kwara All Stars family, among others.
