*As Kokobite wins 10th Turaki Cup
The Chairman of Ilorin East Football Council, Alhaji Sulaiman Toyin Olokoba has commended Senator Saliu Mustapha for pledging the construction of Mini Stadium in Oja-Gboro, even as he added that the community will take full advantage of the opportunity, when provided.
Speaking to sportsbash.com.ng on the sideline of the final of this year’s final of Turaki Cup on Sunday June 8, 2025, at Government Day Secondary School, Oja-Gboro, Ilorin, he praised the Senator for his continuous support for all developmental initiatives in his constituency, especially that which concerns the youths.
According to him, “the community as a whole is happy that sports development that brings unity among us, the annual Turaki Cup competition, has come to stay at Oja-Gboro and Gambari community.
“Senator Mustapha is a bonafide son of the soil, and of the community. His pledge to build stadiums is a welcome development. We have been using Government Day Secondary School, Oja-Gboro field for our matches. We will now go extra miles to prepare for the proposed stadium, by searching for a suitable space that can accommodate the project.
“It will be the first of its kind in the state, and on behalf of the community, we thank him. We will surely take advantage of the huge offer, which will go a long way to check social vices”, he added.
Senator Saliu Mustapha had earlier pledged to assist sports and youth development in his constituency, by constructing mini stadiums, especially in Gambari area, in Ilorin east Local Government Area of the state.
Hon. Tunji Buhari Sulaiman, who represented and delivered the Senator’s message at the final commended Oja-Gboro Youth Development Association for organising a befitting competition in honour of the Senator.
“This is a moment of joy for the youths, and all of us. Football is about unity and togetherness, and I will want to commend the sponsor and the organisers. Senator Saliu Mustapha will be building two or three mini stadiums in his constituency, and one of it will obviously come to Oja-Goro community”, he averred.
The Chairman of Oja-Gboro Youth Development Association, Mohammed Soliu Tunde commended Senator Soliu Mustapha, Alhaji Sulaiman Toyin Olokoba, who is the Chairman of Oja-Gboro Gambari Community and his members, for supporting the initiative. He equally commended all the teams that participated in the competition.
12 youth clubs participated in this year’s edition of the 7-a-side competition, and they are Jojo FC, Ojukoto FC, Olokoba FC, TBS FC, Kokobite FC, Babatunde FC, TVS FC, Olororo Development FC, Omo- Olope FC and New Generation FC.
Kokobite FC defeated TBS FC 3-1 to win the trophy, and also got a cash prize of N500,000, courtesy of Senator Saliu Mustapha. The second and third placed teams got N300,000 and N200,000 respectively, while the organisers got N500,000 reward for their efforts.
This year’s competition was sponsored by Barrister Alabi Abdulkareem (Kokobite).
Ten personalities were given special merit awards at the occasion, and they include the three Gata brothers, Adeshina Ismaila Gata, Adeshina Issa Gata, both of whom play for Kwara United Football Club, and Greece based Adeshina Mubaraq Gata. Others are Alabi Sulaiman Jojo of El-Kanemi and Flying Eagles, Bello Sufian, Hassam Kasim Alasa, Abdulsalam Adeniyi, Abdulganiyu Agboola, Mallam Danmaigoro Idris and Ayinla Abdulwasiu.
